We had a very good Week 15 NFL projections so let’s review them before we move on to what is the Championship Weekend for many in the Week 16 NFL Season.

SAINTS 24 @ BEARS 27 (OT)

Week 15 began with an overtime game that started with a bang as the Saints won the coin toss but deferred and the Bears ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. QB Drew Brees posted numbers that were lower than what we expected with 232 yards and 2 TD’s but he also threw 2 INT’s. RB Pierre Thomas continues to produce at a very high level and was even better than the high-end RB2 we forecasted. Thomas now has eight TD’s in his last five games.

RB Reggie Bush suffered a knee sprain in the first half and was a bust. Despite his talent, this guy’s a glass slipper and is now done for the season. We suggested WR Marques Colston as a low-end WR1 and Lance Moore as a high-end WR2. Colston produced as expected but Moore did not because Thomas is stealing some of the short passes that were going his way earlier in the season. We’re not sure why we even recommended TE Jeremy Shockey, even as just a high-end TE2, like we did this past week. This guy is a total bust and one of the worst acquisitions by any NFL team or Fantasy owners in the 2008 season.

Despite just 226 yards of total offense, the Bears somehow managed to win this game. We warned you against starting QB Kyle Orton and he was a bust with just 172 yards and 2 INT’s He did score a rushing TD but that did little to offset his overall performance.

RB Matt Forte suffered a toe injury early on in this game and was limited to 63 total yards and 1 TD. We suggested that you should consider WR Devin Hester as low-end WR2 and that no other Chicago WR should be trusted. Hester helped his team win but not his Fantasy owners, as he was limited to four catches for 46 yards. The rest of the Bears receiving core were the busts we predicted. TE Greg Olson produced the decent high-end TE2 numbers we expected with eight catches for 45 yards.

BUCCANEERS 10 @ FALCONS 13 (OT)

The Falcons beat the Bucs and moved another step closer to earning a playoff spot. RB Michael Turner produced the RB1 numbers we expected and with 182 total yards and 1 TD. QB Matt Ryan and WR Roddy White both had the mediocre game that we suggested they would. QB Jeff Garcia ended up sitting out this game with a thigh injury and Brian Griese was the surprise starter. The Bucs RB by committee system produced the dismal numbers we forecasted. WR Antonio Bryant didn’t repeat his Week 14 performance but put up good numbers again with 106 yards and 1 TD. As suggested, no one from the TE position on either team produced any worthwhile Fantasy stats in this game.

REDSKINS 13 @ BENGALS 20

The Bengals put an end to the Redskins slim playoff hopes and almost looked dominant in doing so. We suggested the Redskins, as a group, would struggle here and they certainly did. RB Clinton Portis didn’t produce the RB1 numbers we expected with just 83 total yards. QB Jason Campbell, despite the cupcake match-up, was mediocre as we suggested with just 167 yards and 1 TD. WR Santana Moss finally showed up for a game and had 77 yards and 1 TD. TE Chris Cooley produced the low-end TE1 numbers we expected with 6 catches for 51 yards but was held out of the end zone. The Bengals got decent numbers from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Cedric Benson and WR Chris Henry but we doubt that any of them had an impact on any Fantasy playoff games.

TITANS 12 @ TEXANS 13

We said that games like this, where one team is just trying to stay healthy and the other is trying to build momentum for next year, are very difficult to forecast. We told you to sit QB Kerry Collins and he had a dismal day with 181 yards and 1 INT. RB’s Chris Johnson and LenDale White didn’t come close to the RB2 numbers we forecasted. WR Justin Gage produced the low-end WR2 numbers we forecasted with three catches for 76 yards. TE Bo Scaife continues to struggle and wasn’t even the low-end TE2 we forecasted in this match up. We were wrong about QB Matt Schaub who had 284 yards and 1 TD and didn’t throw an INT.

RB Steve Slaton produced the low-end RB1 numbers we expected with 115 total yards. WR Andre Johnson was a beast again this weekend and was very worthy of our WR1 ranking as he posted 11 catches for 207 yards and 1 TD. We warned you that it was an even week and that you should sit WR Kevin Walter. True to form, he was a bust with two catches for eight yards. TE Owen Daniels didn’t meet our expectations with just four catches for 41 yards.

PACKERS 16 @ JAGUARS 20

The Packers free fall continued in this game as they let a half time lead slip away by allowing the Jags to score 13 fourth quarter points. RB Maurice Jones-Drew produced as we suggested with 70 total yards and 2 TD’s. QB David Garrard produced way better than we expected and WR Denis Northcutt came from out of nowhere with five catches for 127 yards and 1 TD. For the Packers, both QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Greg Jennings had decent though not spectacular numbers in this one. RB Ryan Grant was the bust we suggested he would be. TE Donald Lee was disappointing with just two catches for eight yards. Stats Sleeper, WR Donald Driver, had 5 catches for 65 yards.

49ERS 9 @ DOLPHINS 14

We suggested that you should avoid this game all together and, for the most part, we were right. Apart from QB Chad Pennington and TE David Martin, no one in this game produced any meaningful Fantasy stats.

SEAHAWKS 23 @ RAMS 20

The Seahawks became just the second west coast team to win on the east coast this season. As suggested, QB Marc Bulger posted decent numbers in this game with 207 yards and 1 TD. RB Steven Jackson also produced as we expected with 126 total yards and 1 TD. WR Torry Holt posted good WR2 type numbers as we suggested while WR Donnie Avery had six catches for 61 yards but did not score. Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace came back to earth as we predicted with 226 yards and no touchdowns. RB Maurice Morris produced the mid-range RB2 numbers we suggested with 86 rushing yards. Everyone else from the Seahawks produced the mediocre numbers we forecasted.

BILLS 27 @ JETS 31

The Bills put up some fight in this game but, in the end, the result was just another loss. QB J.P. Losman was horrible as we predicted with 148 yards, one passing TD, one rushing TD but had 3 INT and 1 fumble lost. RB Marshawn Lynch was slightly better than the mid-range RB2 we predicted with 140 total yards. We warned you to temper your expectations of WR Lee Evans and he posted just four catches for 22 yards. We predicted the Jets would rebound here and, while it wasn’t an impressive win, they did. As suggested, the Jets pounded away on the ground with RB Thomas Jones who had an 82 total yards and 1 TD. We were right in suggesting that you should look past QB Brett Favre for your starting QB this weekend. Favre had just 207 yards and 1 TD with 2 INT. The Jets receiving core produced the low-end WR2 numbers we suggested. TE Dustin Keller was a bust with just three catches for 35 yards. Stats Sleeper, RB Leon Washington had a good game with 53 total yards and 1 TD.

CHARGERS 22 @ CHIEFS 21

We predicted a high scoring game here but the 43 points scored was somewhat lower then we expected. Both QB Philip Rivers and Tyler Thigpen were a good start as the low-end QB1’s we suggested. We were also right on WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez. LT2 posted decent RB1 numbers with 71 yards and 1 TD. RB Larry Johnson also posted the mid-range RB2 we predicted as he rushed for 55 yards but his bottom line was helped out when he passed a four-yard TD to Gonzalez.

LIONS 21 @ COLTS 31

This wasn’t the blowout we expected as the Lions played tough and were actually tied with the Colts in the fourth quarter. In the end though, it was the same old, same old as the Lions gave up two late scores to the Colts. QB Peyton Manning didn’t produce the monster game we predicted but was still decent with 318 yards and 1 TD. WR Reggie Wayne came close to our 20-point prediction with seven catches for 104 yards. WR’s Anthony Gonzalez and Marvin Harrison were both a bust.

TE Dallas Clark produced the high-end TE1 numbers we expected with 12 catches for 142 yards and 1 TD. As we suggested, RB Joseph Addai was limited in this game. In his first start since Week 9 Lions QB Dan Orlovsky continued his decent play with 233 yards and 1 TD. RB Kevin Smith produced the RB2 numbers we suggested with 119 total yards and 1 TD. WR Calvin Johnson continues to be a stud and had 110 yards and 1 TD. Stats Sleeper, RB Dominic Rhodes produced the RB1 numbers we predicted with 116 total yards and 2 TD’s.

VIKINGS 35 @ CARDINALS 14

We totally missed on the Cardinals in this game apart from suggesting that you stay away from their running backs. The Cards had just seven rushing attempts for 43 yards. QB Kurt Warner, WR Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald were all a bust in this one. What a crushing blow that has to have been for their Fantasy owners. We suggested a good game from RB Adrian Peterson and he produced with 165 yards but failed to reach the end zone. Our recommendation to sit the rest of the Vikings was not good. QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Bobby Wade, WR Bernard Berrian and RB Chester Taylor all had a decent game in this one with Jackson leading the way. If you saw that coming, you are way smarter than we are.

STEELERS 13 @ RAVENS 9

We suggested that fantasy points would be hard to come by here and that was certainly the case. QB Ben Roethisberger was the decent mid-range QB2 we suggested and Hines Ward had eight catches for 107 yards. Everyone else in this game was a bust as we predicted.

PANTHERS 30 @ BRONCOS 10

The up and down season for the Broncos continued this weekend as they were dominated by the Panthers. RB’s DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both produced decent numbers in this game. We suggested Williams as a high-end RB1 and he had 91 total yards and 1 TD. Stewart was recommended as a high-end RB2 and had 55 yards and 1 TD. QB Jake Delhomme had a modest day with 253 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. WR Steve Smith was suggested as a low-end WR1 and produced good numbers with 165 yards and 1 TD.

As suggested, no one from the Broncos backfield produced in this game as little known RB P.J. Pope led their running attack with 51 yards on seven carries. QB Jay Cutler produced the mediocre numbers we suggested with just 172 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. WR Brandon Marshall produced lower than expected numbers while WR Eddie Royal was the bust we suggested he would be. TE Tony Scheffler did not produce the low-end TE1 numbers we expected with just one catch for -1 yard.

PATRIOTS 45 @ RAIDERS 26

Staying on the west coast rather than traveling back and forth across the country certainly helped the Patriots in this game as we thought it would. Unfortunately we didn’t put enough faith in QB Matt Cassel and he went off with 218 yards and 4 TD’s. As suggested though, the Patriots did get back to basics and ran the ball against the Raiders 30th ranked run defense. RB’s Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk both put up the numbers we suggested they would. We didn’t see the 97 yards and 1 TD coming out of RB Lamont Jordan though. The Patriots had 277 total yards on the ground. We suggested starting WR Wes Welker over WR Randy Moss but we had that backwards as they both posted the similar yards but Moss had 2 TD’s while Welker had one.

We said that it’s very difficult to trust any Patriot TE and Ben Watson was held without a catch. The Raiders put up more of a fight than we thought they would despite being down 35-14 at half time. We suggested a decent day from TE Zach Miller and he posted six catches for 60 yards. We missed on RB Darren McFadden who had a big day with 114 total yards and 1 TD. QB JaMarcus Russell and WR Johnnie Lee Higgins both had decent numbers in this game as well.

GIANTS 8 @ COWBOYS 20

The Cowboys pulled it all together and beat the Giants to move closer to securing a playoff spot. For the Giants, RB Derrick Ward didn’t produce the high-end RB2 numbers we expected with just 66 total yards. We suggested mediocre numbers from QB Eli Manning and his receiving core and they were the busts we suggested they would be. TE Kevin Boss did not produce the low-end TE1 numbers we expected. QB Tony Romo bounced back as we predicted and posted 244 yards and 2 TD’s. RB Tashard Choice started for the Cowboys as we suggested and posted good numbers with 143 yards and 1 TD. We told you to bench RB Marion Barber III and he was dismal with 26 total yards. WR Terrell Owens and TE Jason Witten both produced lower than expected numbers in this game.

BROWNS 10 @ EAGLES 30

It certainly didn’t take a genius to figure out this game. We said the Eagles would roll and, despite the 20-point win, it should have been way higher. The Eagles settled for way too many field goals in this game. As predicted QB Donovan McNabb had a good game with 290 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT. RB Brian Westbrook however was a huge disappointment with just 67 total yards and he was keep out of the end zone. As suggested, WR DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis both posted good WR2 numbers.

The Eagles leading receiver however was Jason Avant with five catches. TE L.J. Smith failed to meet our expectations again this week. We told you to sit your Browns in this game and that was certainly good advice. WR Braylon Edwards did have a good game with five catches for 102 yards but he can’t be trusted with QB Ken Dorsey under center. Other than Edwards no one on the Browns offense posted more than three Fantasy points.

Some leagues had their Championship games in Week 15 while some will play their game this weekend. There are also many leagues out there that don’t play head to head match ups and score right through Week 17. With that in mind, we will continue forecasting the games right through Week 17. It’s a huge weekend for most of you so let’s get to our Week 16 forecasts as we try to help you bring home the hardware!

COLTS (10-4) @ JAGUARS (5-9)

The Colts were challenged by the Lions but won it late while the Jaguars scored twice in the fourth quarter to beat the slumping Packers in Week 14.

Week 16 kicks off with an AFC South battle on Thursday Night Football. The Colts stay in the AFC South for their final two games and a win in either game would lock up a playoff spot for them. The Jaguars have been playing out the string for a while now. The Colts have now won seven straight games but apart from the Week 14 blowout of the Bengals, none of the wins have been very impressive. Still, a win is a win and it’s hard to argue that the Colts are a playoff contending team. The Colts will also have revenge on their minds as the Jaguars beat them 23-21 back in Week 3 on their home turf. We expect a much different result in this one though.

QB Peyton Manning has been a stud in seven of his last eight games and their aren’t many other QB’s out their that we would trust our Fantasy Championship hopes with. The Jags are tied for fourth in TD passes allowed with 22 so start Manning with confidence in this one and expect 20 or so points from him. Who will start at RB for the Colts is still up in the air at the time of writing. Coach Dungy has stated that he expects RB Joseph Addai to practice and start this weekend ahead of RB Dominic Rhodes. We find this somewhat surprising because Rhodes has definitely been the better of the two backs for most of the season. Monitor this situation as the week moves forward but you may want to avoid this situation all together.

WR Reggie Wayne has been dealing with nagging injuries all season and has been a major disappointment in eight of the last nine weeks. If you own Wayne, you probably drafted him as your #1 receiver so you can’t bail on him now. Trust Wayne as a low end WR1 this weekend and expect somewhere around 15 points out of him. WR Marvin Harrison will miss this game with an injury so start WR Anthony Gonzalez as a high end WR2. TE Dallas Clark rewarded his faithful owners with a huge performance in Week 15. Expecting a repeat of those numbers is asking a lot but start Clark with confidence as a low end TE1 against the Jags and expect somewhere in the range of 60 yards and 1 TD.

It’s going to be interesting to see how much fight the Jaguars have left in them as they play out the string. With this being their final home game of the season and a divisional match up we expect a decent effort from them here. Teams playing in the spoiler role can certainly be dangerous. The Colts are still playing solid pass defense having allowed just five passing TD’s all season. One of them came last week but that was to the Lions Calvin Johnson who scores on just about everyone. QB David Garrard is a risky start in this one and shouldn’t be considered as anything more than a low end QB2. This is a great spot for RB Maurice Jones-Drew however as he has been on fire in five of the past six weeks and the Colts still rank a dismal 25th in rushing defense.

Start MJD as a high-end RB1 and enjoy the 20 or so points. WR Dennis Northcutt stepped up in the absence of WR Matt Jones last week and nearly matched his overall season total in one game. That however was against a Packer pass defense that seems to have given up and the Colts won’t allow a repeat of that. In short, no one from the Jags receiving core should be started in this game. You also shouldn’t trust TE Marcedes Lewis in this game either.

Weather: Typical warm south Florida night at around 70 degrees.

RAVENS (9-5) @ COWBOYS (9-5)

The Ravens lost on a controversial late TD by the Steelers while the Cowboys blitzed the Giants in Week 14.

This is the first and only Saturday Night regular season game this year. The game holds equal importance to both teams and, in reality; it’s an early playoff game. The loser will most likely see their playoff hopes end though both would still have an outside shot even with a loss. The Cowboys are playing their second home game in a row and the Ravens are coming off a brutal, physical, heartbreaking loss to the Steelers. Will the Ravens have anything left in the tank? It’s going to be interesting to see. The last time QB Tony Romo faced a defense this good he threw 3 INT’s and just 1 TD against the Steelers in Week 13. That was on the road and in very cold temperatures though so we expect a much better outing from Romo here.

There are certainly better QB options out there this weekend but start Romo as a low-end QB1 and expect a 20 point game out of him in this one. The Cowboys won’t win this game by running the ball and you won’t win your Fantasy Championship trusting the Cowboys backfield. RB Tashard Choice has filled in nicely for MBIII with back-to-back, gutsy performances but is a risky start here. We expect that both Choice and MBIII will see touches in this game and that will limit the value of both of them. Consider Choice as a mid-range RB2 and MBIII as a high end RB3.

As mentioned, the Cowboys will need to win this game through the air. WR Terrell Owens has been quiet in his last two games but we expect him to break out somewhat in this game and recommend him as a low-end WR1 while projecting in the area of 15 points out him. Neither WR Patrick Crayton nor Roy Williams can be trusted as anything more than a low-end WR2 in this one. TE Jason Witten has also been quiet the past two weeks and while the Ravens do cover the TE position well, he should still be started as a low-end TE1 this weekend. Count of 12 or so points from the toughest dude in football.

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens respond to the crushing Week 15 loss and how much they have left in the tank. After six hot starts over seven games QB Joe Flacco as cooled off considerably in his last two games and life doesn’t get any easier for him against the attacking Dallas defense. There are way better options at QB this weekend and we suggest that you should sit Flacco. Anything more than ten points from him would be a surprise. The same goes for the RB by committee attack for the Ravens. RB Le’Ron McClain carried the load with Ray Rice out last weekend with a calf injury but Rice is expected back for this game.

Rice and McClain will both get touches as will Willis McGahee so just avoid this situation all together. With Flacco struggling at QB it’s also hard to trust anyone from the Ravens receiving core. If you are stuck for a WR the only option to consider here is Derrick Mason but you need to temper your expectations of him in this one as well. TE Todd Heap has had one decent game, from a Fantasy perspective, all season and should not be started in any format this weekend.

Weather: Scattered showers and 70 degrees.

BENGALS (2-11) @ BROWNS (4-10)

The Bengals surprised the Redskins while the Browns failed to show up against the Eagles on MNF in Week 15.

Can it get any uglier than this game from any perspective be it the actual game or Fantasy wise? We think not! Give the Bengals some credit though as they fought hard and beat the Redskins last week. The Browns on the other hand have not scored a touchdown on offense in the past four weeks. We have said that you need to sit players from both these teams for most of the season. This weekend however there are some sneaky starts in the Bengals lineup. Start with RB Cedric Benson who had his second best game of the season last week. Benson faces the Browns 28th ranked rushing defense and has become an option in the Bengals passing game as well. It’s a tough call to trust a guy like Benson with your Championship life but if he’s your option with guys like Ryan Grant, MBII or Addai, start Benson.

The Browns are equally inept against the pass and have given up 22 TD’s through the air. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for a TD and had a rushing TD last weekend in his best game of the season and is auditioning for a starting role, somewhere, in the 2009 season. Consider Fitzpatrick as a high-end QB2 in this one with potential to put up 18 or so points. It’s been awhile since we heard much from WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, since Week 11 in fact, but we expect that to change this weekend. Start T.J. as a high-end WR2 against the Browns and expect numbers in the 15-point range. After that, we are hesitant about starting anyone else from the Bengals.

Do not start anyone from Cleveland this weekend, as they appear to have just given up on the season as a team.

Weather: Light snow and cold at 30 degrees.

DOLPHINS (9-5) @ CHIEFS (2-12)

The Dolphins handled the 49ers with relative ease while the Chiefs gave up the lead late and lost to the Chargers in Week 15.

The Dolphins are playing for their playoffs lives while the Chiefs are trying to play the role of spoiler. We see this as a trap game for the Dolphins as they play on the road for the third time in four weeks in the hostile confines of Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs definitely have more weapons than any team the Dolphins have faced in the previous three weeks. Prior to those three games, the Patriots rolled into Miami and crushed the Dolphins. Take away Week 13 and QB Tyler Thigpen has been one of the most productive QB’s in Fantasy football. The weather forecast is not good for KC this weekend so that drops Thigpens value somewhat but he is still worth a start as a low-end QB1 this weekend. Start WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez with confidence as well. RB Larry Johnson is up against the Dolphins #11 ranked run defense and should not be started as anything more than a low-end RB2 in this one.

Miami needs to win out to make the playoffs so we don’t expect them to look past the Chiefs but the road trip, venue and weather are all causes for concern. The Dolphins best chance to win this game is on the ground going up against the Chiefs #30 ranked rush defense. RB Ronnie Brown should see a lot of touches in this game both running and receiving with some wildcat formations worked into the mix. Start Brown as a high-end RB2 and expect 15 points out of him. QB Chad Pennington has dealt with the elements before while in New York but we don’t expect the Dolphins to pass much in this game.

Pennington is also limited by the receiving core he has at his disposal so we suggest that you need look at other options at the QB position if you have them. If we can’t recommend Pennington, then we can’t recommend anyone from his receiving core. Look elsewhere for your starting WR this weekend. TE David Martin caught his first TD of the season last week and has been somewhat active for the Dolphins since WR Greg Camarillo went down. Martin should be considered as a mid-range TE2 in this game.

Stats Sleeper

RB Ricky Williams has been rather quiet the past few weeks but with the Dolphins running the ball here he’s a sneaky start as a mid range #2 at the flex position if your options are limited.

Weather: Chance of flurries and cold at 15 degrees.

SAINTS (7-7) @ LIONS (0-14)

The Saints lost a heart breaker in overtime to the Bears while the Lions hung with the Colts but lost after giving up two scores late in Week 15.

The Saints saw their slim playoffs hopes go up in smoke when PK Robbie Gould kicked a 36 yard field goal on the first and only possession in OT on Thursday Night Football. This crushing defeat screams, yet again, for the need of an overall to the NFL OT procedure. The Lions put up a good fight, they had the game tied in the fourth quarter, but the Colts scored twice with under nine minutes to play and the Lions still have a “perfect” record. One could argue that the Lions, at home, are playing for more than the Saints are and that they have a chance to win this game. Despite being a life long and diehard Lions fan, StatsGuru just doesn’t see it happening. It may be a bit of a long shot but QB Drew Brees needs 753 passing yards in his last two games to break Dan Marino’s single season record of 5084, which has stood the test of time for 24 years. If Brees passes for 400 yards here and 354 yards next week, at home, against a vulnerable Panthers pass defense the record is his.

With nothing else to play for, we suggest the Saints will make every effort to get Brees the record. The Lions rank 21st in pass defense and gave up 318 to passing yards to Peyton Manning last week. Bress has passed for over 400 yards twice this season and we say he gets the hat trick in this one. Start Brees as the #1 Fantasy QB this weekend. RB Pierre Thomas has been one of the best backs in football over the past five weeks and now he gets the Lions 32nd (that’s LAST) ranked run defense. RB Reggie Bush is done for the season so it will be all Pierre, all the time, when the Saints run the ball. Start Thomas as a high-end RB1 and enjoy! Don’t buy all the talk about the Saints passing less because of the success they have had with Thomas running the ball. They have still attempted 184 passes in their past five games.

Fantasy owners may have soured somewhat on WR Marques Colston and Lance Moore over the past few games but this is NOT the week that you should give up on either of them. Start Colston as a high-end WR1 and Moore as a high-end WR2 and expect double-digit Fantasy points from both of them. The Saints TE’s should also be active in this game after they watched Dallas Clark carve up the Lions secondary to the tune of 12 catches for 142 yards and 1 TD. Neither Jeremy Shockey nor Billy Miller will come close to those numbers but expect them both to post decent mid-range TE2 type numbers.

We certainly don’t expect the Lions to give up in this game, as it’s their final home game and their best chance to break the streak. We don’t like their chances going to the frozen tundra next weekend even though the Packers are playing horrible football right now. QB Dan Orlovsky will get the start again this weekend and we think he’s the Lions best option at QB at this point. The Saints have played better defense the past couple of weeks but still rank 26th against the pass. If you are playing in your league Championship game we doubt that you are considering Orlovsky as your starter but those of you who are playing for a weekly win could do worse at the QB position. We forecast a decent 20-point outing from the Polish Pistol. The Saints most notable improvement on defense has come against the rush and they now rank 16th overall having not allowed a 100-yard rushers since LT2 in Week 8.

The Lions will be playing from behind in this game and will be forced to air it out leaving RB Kevin Smith as a risky start here. Consider Smith as a mid-range RB2 in this game. WR Calvin Johnson will be matched up against CB Randall Gay who is 5-11 or Jason David who is 5-8. Neither of these guys will be able to contain CJ who checks in at 6-5. Even when the Saints roll safeties over to help in coverage they don’t have anyone who is over 6-1. We see this being the best game of the season for CJ so start him as a high-end WR1 and reap the rewards. The Lions don’t have anyone who can help you at the TE position.

Weather: Indoor Game

CARDINALS (9-5) PATRIOTS (8-6)

The Patriots whipped the hapless Raiders while the Vikings in Week 15 crushed the Cardinals.

Last week the Cardinals looked like a team that was content with the four seed in the playoffs and kind of just mailed in their performance. The Patriots on the other hand looked like a team hungry for a piece of the playoff pie. Many of you rode on the backs of QB Kurt Warner, WR Anquan Boldin and WR Larry Fitzgerald to get into your Championship game but we hope that you have some strong backups to replace these guys this weekend. It’s going to be a very cold, breezy and snowy day in Gillette Stadium. The boys from the desert will be looking to leave Foxborough as soon as and as healthy as they can before tuning up for the playoffs, at home, against the Seahawks in Week 17. Many forecasters out there are suggesting that you need to stick with the guys who got you this far. This weekend however, that’s a recipe for disaster. If you have other options, get them in your lineup ahead of any Cardinal player, as this won’t be pretty. There is also talk that WR Aquan Boldin will not even play in this game adding to the need for you to sit Cardinal players.

With everything the Patriots have had to endure this season it’s amazing that they are still in the thick of the race to win the AFC East. Two wins to close out the season and one loss each by Miami and the Jets would complete the improbable for the Patriots. With the weather being as nasty as it’s going to be, we don’t expect the Patriots to pass much at all in this game but rather pound the ball on the ground. QB Matt Cassel tossed four TD’s last week in an emotion start following the death of his Father. You need to temper your expectations this week however and consider him as a mid-range QB2 at best. The Patriots running game is starting to kick into high gear and they now have a trio of healthy running backs in Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and Lamont Jordan.

All of these guys are important weapons for their NFL team but not so much for you Fantasy team. The Cardinals rank 14th against the run but were gashed for 239 rush yards by the Vikings last week. Start Morris as a high end RB2, Faulk as a high-end flex2 and Jordan as a mid range RB2. As mentioned, the Patriots will want to pound the ball on the ground and test the Cardinals will in what is a meaningless game for them. That makes WR Randy Moss and WR Wes Welker risky starts in this game. It’s difficult to sit either of them but temper your expectations as we forecast very low-end double-digit points out of both of them.

Weather: Light snow, windy and cold at 25 degrees.

STEELERS (11-3) @ TITANS (12-2)

The Steelers won with a controversial TD pass over the Ravens while the Titans managed just four field goals and lost to the Texans in Week 15.

This is another game that will have a playoff feel this weekend as these two teams play for home field advantage in the AFC throughout the playoffs. A loss by the Titans here would taint what has otherwise been a huge season for them. They get the Colts in Week 17 while the Steelers will face the lowly Browns. This will be a defensive battle so you shouldn’t expect very many points on the scoreboard or Fantasy wise in this one. The Steelers still rank 1st against the pass and 2nd against the run while the Titans rank 5th against the pass and 9th against the run. Trusting anyone in this game with your Championship hopes is a very risky venture.

Do yourself a favor and start any other options you may have and avoid this game all together.

Weather: Rain with a possibility of snow and 35 degrees.

49ERS (5-9) @ RAMS (2-12)

The Rams lost on a last second field goal to the Seahawks while the 49ers generated just three field goals in their loss to the Dolphins in Week 15.

Much like the Bengals V Browns game, this is another ugly match up this weekend. Both teams are playing out the string and probably wishing the season was over. The Niners make the dreaded west to east trip for the second time in as many weeks to face the Rams. We haven’t found any information whether or not the Niners stayed on the east coast following the Dolphins game. We are fairly certain that they returned home and will travel back across the country. In his last game against the Rams QB Shawn Hill passed for 213 yards, 2 TD’s and added a rushing TD. The Rams defense is horrible ranking 24th against the pass and 29th against the run. Hill makes a sneaky start as a high end QB2 in this one. There’s still no word if RB Frank Gore will be back for this game as he is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday.

There’s no reason the 49ers should risk further injury to their franchise back so we expect Gore to be inactive this weekend. Check the active list Sunday morning to confirm this. RB DeShaun Foster would get the start again this weekend if Gore can’t go and he should be viewed as a high end RB2 if he starts. WR Isaac Bruce gets another crack at his former team this weekend but did not fair very well against them in Week 11 when he was held to one catch for 20 yards. In his last four game since then though, Bruce has 26 catches for 333 yards and 2 TD’s. Start Bruce as a high end WR2 against his former team in very familiar surroundings. TE Vernon Davis should be treated as a mid range TE2 in this game.

This is the final home game of the season for the Rams so they do have motivation to put on a good show for the hometown faithful. The 49ers rank 25th against the pass and have allowed 20 passing TD’s. Consider QB Marc Bulger as a high end QB2 and expect some where in the range of 20 fantasy points or so. RB Steven Jackson finally produced last week for his patient owners but will get more resistance against the 49ers 13th ranked run defense. If you have stuck with him this long you have to start him again this weekend and you can expect 15 or so Fantasy points. WR Torry Holt has certainly had a down year but we suggest that you should consider him as a high end WR2 against the 49ers.

Stats Sleeper

Since Week 8 WR Donnie Avery has been relatively quiet. We expect a decent start from him in this game and suggest him as a WR2 here.

Weather: Indoor game.

CHARGERS (6-8) @ BUCCANEERS (9-5)

The Bucs dropped their second straight game to the Falcons while the Chargers rallied late to beat the Chiefs in Week 15.

Surprisingly, the Chargers are still playing for something as a win here and a loss by the Bronco’s would set up a one game, winner takes all, match up in San Diego in Week 17. With this being a morning game the Chargers would love to win it and add more pressure on the Broncos who play the Bills at home in the second half of the Sunday games. Inexplicably, the Pro Bowl selection committee snubbed QB Philip Rivers and that should be added motivation for him to produce in this one. He will also break Dan Fouts’ single season TD record of 30 with three more TD passes in his final two games.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Bucs defense has been a shell of it’s former self. Start Rivers as a mid range QB1 and expect close to 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns. RB LT2 now has to be considered as one of the biggest busts of the 2008 Fantasy season but the Bucs have been torched on the ground in back to back games. Start LT2 as a low end RB1 and expect decent, double digit numbers from him in this one. WR Vincent Jackson has posted good numbers in his last two games and in this crucial match up he should be targeted often. Consider him as a high end WR2 capable of 15 or so Fantasy points. TE Antonio Gates must also be considered as a bust this season and he has not scored a TD in five straight games. His potential to post huge numbers, in any game, keeps him in a low end TE1 spot again this weekend though.

The Bucs turned to QB Brian Griese last week in place of injured starter Jeff Garcia but could manage just 1 TD and a field goal against the Falcons. Three weeks ago, the Bucs looked like a playoff lock, but they have stumbled badly in their past two games and find themselves in must win situation in this game. Garcia is expected back for this game but whoever starts at QB for the Bucs should not be trusted as anything more than a low end QB2. RB Warrick Dunn and RB Cadillac Williams have slowly seen their touches draw even and, because of that, neither of them can be trusted as anything more than a low end RB2 against the Chargers 12th ranked run defense. WR Antonio Bryant has played at an All Pro level in his last three starts. He should be happy to see Garcia back under center and he should produce low-end WR1 numbers again this weekend. Keep TE Jerramy Stevens on your bench in Week 16.

Weather: Mostly sunny and 78 degrees.

BILLS (6-8) @ BRONCO (8-6)

The Bills fumbled away a loss to the Jets while the Broncos managed just ten points on the road against the Panthers.

Since a torrid 5-1 start the Bills have gone 1-7 and are the only AFC East team that’s not battling for a playoff spot. A Broncos win would seal up the AFC West. If they lose, (and the Chargers win) they will have to play a one game showdown in Week 17 against the Chargers to decided the division. The Broncos will know the outcome of the Chargers game by kick off of their game and those circumstances make this a difficult match up to forecast. It’s hard to say how much fight the Bills will bring to this game. We would feel way better recommending Bills players if this game was being played in Buffalo but it’s not. That being said, the Denver defense is horrible on both sides of the ball ranking 27th against both the pass and the run.

The Bills go back to QB Trent Edwards who will make his first start since he suffered a groin injury three weeks back. As anemic as the Bills offense has been over the past few weeks does it really matter who’s under center? We doubt any elite Fantasy teams are relying on a Bills QB to win their week but those of you who have questions at QB could start Edwards as a mid range QB2 and expect around 15 points out of him. RB Marshawn Lynch should benefit from the return of Edwards, as the Broncos will have to show some respect to the Bills passing game. Lynch is dealing with a shoulder injury though and has been limited in practice all week. Check his status on Sunday but get him into your lineup, if he starts, as a high end RB2 against the porous Denver run defense.

WR Lee Evans also gets a boost from Edwards return and could be facing a Denver secondary minus DB Champ Bailey. Once a Fantasy darling (Weeks 4-8) Evans has fallen out of favor with most of his owners with less then stellar performances of late. Start Evans as a mid range WR2 and expect somewhere in the range of 80 yards and a possible TD. You should not be starting anyone in the TE position from the Bills.

The Bronocs are the Buccaneers biggest fans this weekend, as they would love to be playing for nothing against the Bills. After the officials screwed the Chargers in their Week 2 match up against Denver, you know that Karma would have a way of sneaking in if these two have to play the one game, winner take all, Week 17 game. We are going to forecast this as if the Broncos need the win to clinch the AFC West. QB Jay Cutler did not look good last week against the Panthers and he faces a similar defense in the Bills this weekend. He does however have the weapons to burn the Bills and should be started as a low end QB1. The Denver backfield remains a mess and it’s a situation that is best avoided. RB Selvin Young, Tatem Bell and P.J. Pope will all be vying for touches again this weekend. Pope was the most productive of the three last week and we expect that will be the case again this weekend but you should not trust any of these guys as your starting RB. If you have to, consider Pope as a low end RB2 and ignore the rest. WR Brandon Marshall has caused major frustrations for his owners throughout his up and down season. Those of you that have stuck with him should continue to do so this week as he has the talent to light it up in any given game. Start him as a low end WR1 one in this game. WR Eddie Royal continues to be hit or miss on a weekly basis with more misses than hits. Starting Royal as anything more than a low end WR2 is a risky proposition. TE Tony Scheffler posted a zero last week against the Panthers but should be considered as a mid range TE2 against the Bills.

You have to remember the caveat here: If the Chargers win, the Broncos stats go up. If the Chargers lose, the Broncos stats go down.

Weather: Mostly sunny and cold at 19 degrees.

JETS (9-5) @ SEAHAWKS (3-11)

The Jets forced a miracle fumble late to beat the Bills while the Seahawks got a last second field goal to beat the Rams in Week 17.

The Jets season appeared to be over late in the game last week until they forced a J. P. Losman fumble and returned it for a touchdown. With their playoff lives on the line they now travel cross-country to face a rejuvenated Seahawks team that’s looking to give Coach Holmgren a win in his final home game. Another level of intrigue in this game is Holmgren coaching against his former start QB Brett Favre. You also can’t neglect the fact that the Jets have lost to the Raiders, Chargers and 49ers on the west coast this season. Add in a weather forecast of snow and cold and this is should be a very interesting game. Favre has been in spots like this many times in his career so the big game pressure shouldn’t have too much affect on him.

The Seahawks still rank dead last in pass defense so expect a good stat line from Favre in this one. His last three weeks have been dismal but, with so much on the line, trust Favre as a high end QB2 against the Seahawks. RB Thomas Jones has been one of the hottest backs in football the last ten weeks and is the Sleeper Stud of the season in Fantasy football. The Seahawks play better-run defense than pass defense but still rank just 21st against the run. Start Jones as a mid range RB1 and expect his stellar play to continue. The Jets receiving core has been dismal along with the play of Favre the last few weeks but they will have room to roam in this one. That being said, who will step up is anyone’s guess. We suggest starting WR Jerricho Cotchery as a mid range WR2 and Laveranues Coles as a WR3 or flex starter. TE Dustin Keller should be active in this game for the Jets and should be started as a high end TE2.

The Seahawks have played much better football the past couple of weeks and have even showed some Fantasy value. QB Seneca Wallace gets his third straight start and faces a leaky Jets pass defense that ranks 29th. The Jets have 40 sacks on the season but that shouldn’t be much of a factor as Wallace is a very mobile QB. Trusting Wallace with your Fantasy week though is not suggested despite the match up. We expect Wallace will post decent low-end QB2 numbers here. The Jets, once vaunted, run defense has been less than solid the past couple of weeks but shouldn’t have any problems containing RB’s Maurice Morris and Julius Jones. Do not consider either of these backs this weekend.

With Wallace adding a spark to the Seahawks offense, WR Deion Branch has benefited the most. This weekend though he should draw coverage from Jets CB Darrelle Revis who shut down Bills WR Lee Evans last weekend. Limit your expectations or, better yet, keep the Seahawks receiving core on your bench. TE John Carlson has been the most consistent Seahawk from a Fantasy perspective this season. Couple that with the fact that the Jets don’t protect well against the TE position and Carlson is a good start as a low end TE1 this weekend.

Weather: Scattered snow and cold with 19 degrees.

TEXANS (7-7) @ RAIDERS (3-11)

The Texans held the Titans out of the end zone and won 13-12 while the Patriots in Week 15 crushed the Raiders.

Despite being out of the playoffs, the Texans are aiming for their first winning season in franchise history. They are also riding their first four game winning streak ever and are looking to make it five in row. Several Texans have been invaluable for Fantasy owners down the stretch. That includes QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton and WR Andre Johnson. Schaub and Slaton should be started as low-end #1’s at their position this weekend. Despite going up against Raiders all-world cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Johnson is must start, high end WR1 in all formats.

Sorry to simplify it so much but do not trust anyone in Silver and Black this weekend.

Weather: Cloudy with a chance of rain and 54 degrees.

FALCONS (9-5) @ VIKINGS (9-5)

The Vikings rolled into the desert and then rolled over the Cardinals while the Falcons beat the Bucs in OT in Week 15.

This is another playoff style game this weekend. A Vikings win or Bears loss on MNF earns them the NFC North title. A Falcons win and a loss by the Cowboys and either the Bucs or Eagles would earn them a wild card berth. This game will be a high scoring affair and features the top two running backs in the NFL. Which one shines brighter should be the determining factor in this game. QB Tarvaris Jackson has been named the starter for the Vikings and has played well in the last six quarters. The Falcons rank 23rd against the pass, so Jackson is a sneaky start as a high end QB2 in this one. Don’t expect him to match his Week 15 numbers but 18 or so Fantasy points would not be a surprise.

RB Adrian Peterson continues to rack up rushing yards but frustrates his owners on a weekly basis with his lack of touchdowns production. The Falcons are 22nd against the rush so start AP with confidence again this weekend. The Vikings continue to be a run first team and that limits the chances for WR Bernard Berrian and WR Bobby Wade. The fact that Berrian is returning kicks, and is a threat to score on any given play, makes him a mid range WR2 while Wade should not be considered as anything more than a WR3 in this game. TE Visanthe Shianco is either boom or bust on a weekly basis. Consider him as a high end TE2 in this one.

The Falcons need to win their last two games and even then will need help to make the playoffs. They get the hapless Rams next weekend but first things first. There’s no chance the Falcons will look past the Vikings, as a loss would doom their season. QB Matt Ryan struggled badly last week and had his worst game since Week Two. Expect him to bounce back in this game against the Vikings 22nd ranked pass defense and consider him as a high end QB2 in this one. RB Michael Turner continues to be a Fantasy MVP candidate and leads the league with 15 rushing touchdowns. He catches a break in this game as one half of the “Williams Wall” Pat Williams is out with a fractured shoulder. It goes without saying, start Turner and enjoy. WR Roddy White had a quiet day against the Bucs in Week 15 but we see him rebounding in a big way in this game. Start White as mid range WR1 against the leaky Vikings pass defense and expect close to 100 yards and a TD.

Weather: Indoor game.

EAGLES (8-5-1) @ REDSKINS (7-7)

The Eagles pounded the Browns on MNF while the Redskins saw their playoff hopes dashed with an embarrassing loss to the Bengals in Week 15.

The Eagles come into this one as one of the hottest team in the league having won three straight games in convincing fashion. The tie against the Bengals in Week 11 was previously thought of as a serious blow to their playoffs hopes but would now get them into the playoffs if they win their last two games. The Redskins have scored just 60 points while winning just once in their last five games. In their Week 5 match up the Redskins limited QB Donovan McNabb to just 196 yards and without a TD pass. In his last three games though, McNabb has passed for 7 TD’s and just 1 INT. Start McNabb as a high end QB2 in this pivotal match up.

RB Brian Westbrook posted disappointing numbers in Week 15 after leading Fantasy scoring in the previous two weeks. He will bounce back in this game and is a must-start RB1 in all formats. WR DeSean Jackson has been the go to guy for the Eagles but has just three TD’s on the season. Start Jackson as a mid range WR2 against the Redskins. WR Kevin Curtis caught his second TD since returning from injury on MNF last week. He still isn’t consistent enough to be trusted as anything more than a WR3 at this point. TE L.J. Smith continues to be a bust and should not be started as anything higher than a low end TE2.

Try as we might to find a bright spot for the Redskins, we just can’t. What was once a promising season has turned into a nightmare in DC. The Skins are now just playing out the string and look lifeless in the process. It is now safe to sit just about everyone from the Redskins. That includes RB Clinton Portis who has produced just 33 points in his last five starts. The Eagles will continue their blitz style of defense in this one. If we were going to recommend any Washington player it would be TE Chris Cooley. Cooley torched the Eagles for 109 yards and 1 TD back in Week 5 and should post similar numbers in this one. After Cooley though, there’s not much to hang your hat on here.

Weather: Rain ending by game time and 40 degrees.

PANTHERS (11-3) @ GIANTS (11-3)

The Cowboys blitzed the Giants while the Panthers rolled over the Broncos in Week 15.

The Giants looked like a lock to win the NFC title through 13 weeks but here come the Panthers for a game that will clinch the NFC title for the winner. The loser should still get a first round bye. We don’t expect much scoring in this game as both teams rely on defense first. Giants QB Eli Manning was sacked eight times by the Cowboys last week and is clearly struggling without Plaxico Burress and injured RB Brandon Jacobs. Eli is the Manning that you should sit this weekend.

Jacobs is listed as questionable and saw limited practice all week. The Giants are saying he will start but how long he’ll hold up or how productive he will be is anyone’s guess. Check the pre-game injury report and start Jacobs as a high end RB2 if he can go. If Jacobs does return to action, RB Derrick Ward will return to his third down back status and should not be started in any format. The WR core for the Giants is a mess and should be avoided. TE Kevin Boss has done very little in his last three games to warrant starting him and should be penciled in as a low end TE2 at best.

QB Jake Delhomme has been erratic at best the entire season. He does just enough to win games for his team but posts limited Fantasy numbers. Expect the Giants to do all they can to double up on WR Steve Smith and force Delhomme to look for other options. When does, he won’t find them and we suggest that you should look elsewhere for your starting QB this weekend. The Panthers will try to run on the Giants #4 ranked run defense but we expect modest success when they do.

RB DeAngelo Williams has been a Fantasy stud for seven straight weeks now and is impossible to sit but we feel you need to temper your expectations of him here. We expect Williams to top out at around 80 yards and 1 TD. RB Jonathan Stewart will have even less success and should not be considered as anything more than a low end RB2 in this game. As mentioned, we expect the Giants will do everything they can to take WR Steve Smith out of the Panthers attack. Smith has been one of the hottest receivers in football over the past four weeks but we expect a bit of clunker for him in this game. Start him as a high end WR2 and temper your expectations.

Weather: Wind and cold at 35 degrees.

PACKERS (5-9) @ BEARS (8-6)

The Bears got past the Saints in OT while the Packers continued their free fall by giving up another fourth quarter lead and lost the Jaguars in Week 15.

The final MNF game of the season pits NFC North foes against each other for the 176th time that is the most of any two teams in NFL history. The Bears are clinging to a slim playoff hope that could be snuffed out before this game is even played. If the Vikings beat the Falcons, the Bears would be eliminated from the playoffs rendering this game meaningless. With temperatures expected to be at or below zero at game time one has to wonder how much fight either team will have, that makes this game very difficult to forecast.

Back in Week 11 the Packers embarrassed the Bears with a 37-3 beat down at Lambeau Field but even the revenge factor could be minimal. Since that game the Packers have gone 0-4 while the Bears have gone 3-1. Bears QB Kyle Orton should not be trusted in this game as he has produced just 50 fantasy points combined in his last five starts.

RB Matt Forte is still feeling the affects of an injured toe suffered in the Thursday Night game against the Saints. Forte has seen limited practice all week and his status for this week is still up in the air. This puts his Fantasy owners in a tough spot, as Forte has been a stud all season long. If this game is meaningless will the Bears risk further injury to one of their franchise players? We think not. Being as such, and if you have another viable option, you may want to consider sitting Forte if you are three deep at the RB position. The Bears receiving core should not be trusted along with Orton in this game.

Despite their recent free fall, the Packers offense continues to put points on the board. Unfortunately his or her defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone. QB Aaron Rodgers has passed for ten touchdowns but has also thrown seven INT’s in his last five games. The Packers running attack has been suspect all season so we expect the Packers to keep throwing the ball. The Bears rank 28th against the pass so expect decent numbers from Rodgers and start him as a low end QB1 in this one. RB Ryan Grant had 145 yards and 1 TD in his start against the Bears back in Week 11. A repeat of those numbers would be a surprise and Grant should be started no higher than a mid range RB2 in this game.

WR Greg Jennings has seen his receiving totals decrease in each of the past three weeks and hit a season low of 22 last week. He has however caught a TD pass in four of his past five games and is Rodgers favorite target on deep routes and in the red zone. Start Jennings as a low end WR1 and expect another TD and 70 or so receiving yards. Everyone else from the Packers are just role players and have little value to your Fantasy team.

Weather: Bitter cold!

That’s it for Week 16. Good luck if you are playing for your league Championship this weekend and we hope your week is point prosperous and injury free!

Enjoy the games everyone!

StatsGuru