Mulligan’s fantasy forecast: Week 16
Observer sports writer
It’s championship week for most fantasy leagues around the world and for all the talk about which guys might not see their normal slate of playing time in these last few weeks of the NFL season, there are some star players who remain must-plays. Like the Texans Andre Johnson for example.
Johnson continued his ridiculous season by catching 11 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown against the Titans last week. Sure, the Texans are out of the playoff hunt. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to let the chance to finish their first season with a winning record in franchise history slip by. Nope, teams like the Texans are proud and even though they’re not fighting to play beyond Week 17, they’re playing with pride, which makes them good enough to stay in your fantasy lineups.
Injury news
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants: Jacobs missed last week’s game against the Cowboys with a knee injury but it appears that the Giants will try their hardest to get him ready for this week’s game against the Panthers. Even if he does play, you’re probably better off starting Derrick Ward against the Panthers.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: There hasn’t been a real update on Gore’s status for the coming week after he missed last week’s game against the Dolphins. You’ll certainly want to check on him throughout this week as he gets a good match up against the Rams and if he winds up playing you’ll want to start him.
Good match up
Seneca Wallace vs. Jets pass defense: I kind of went of the radar for this good match up but with the QBs out there with chances of being rested this week (Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning) I wanted to give you someone you can count on to play an entire game, and play it well. And this week, I think Seneca Wallace will be that guy.
Last week, Wallace was solid against the Rams and the week before that he was borderline brilliant at home against the Patriots. This week Wallace gets to face the Jets who are winless on west coast trips this season with a 0-3 record against the Chargers, Raiders, and 49ers. Then there’s that whole thing about them giving up over 241 yards passing per game this season, 29th in the NFL. With Deion Branch starting to play well and John Carlson having a great rookie season, I’d look for Wallace to have a day worthy of being placed in your starting lineup this Sunday.
Not so good match up
Chris Johnson vs. Steelers run defense: Johnson managed 65 yards on just 13 carries last week against the Texans but the forecast looks much bleaker for the coming week’s showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It doesn’t help that there are whispers abound that the Titans plan to rest some of their key players.
More bad news for Johnson owners in this match up is the fact that the Steelers boast the number two run defense in all of the NFL, allowing just fewer than 76 rushing yards per game this season. The odds of Johnson racking up more than the 65 yards he got last week aren’t very good.
Waiver wire watch
Matt Schaub, QB, Texans: On the other end of Andre Johnson’s huge performance last week was Texans QB Matt Schaub who threw for 284 yards and a score against the Titans. It was Schaub’s second game back from injury and this week he gets an easier match up against the Raiders. If he hasn’t already been picked up in your league, he should be as he makes for a good QB2 for this week and for Week 17, should that mean anything for your fantasy league.
Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Vikings: Jackson shocked fantasy owners (and probably his coaches and teammates too) last week when he threw four TD passes against the Cardinals. Jackson will again start this week for the injured Gus Frerotte but that doesn’t mean you should expect him to do anything remotely close to that again. Especially not against a Falcons team fighting for its playoff life.
Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys: Choice racked up 91 yards rushing and a touchdown on just nine caries last week against the Giants while also grabbing four passes for 52 yards. Choice will likely see the same amount of touches this week against an even tougher Ravens defense but the results aren’t likely to be the same.
Dominic Rhodes, RB, Colts: While Rhodes had a great game last week against the Lions, it’s important to remember that it came against the Lions. It’s also important to note that the Colts expect Joseph Addai to play this week so Rhodes’ touches will be limited. Probably best to stay away from him this week.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: Sure Cedric Benson had himself a nice game last week against the Redskins when he rushed for 73 yards and caught three passes for 88 yards. But, would you trust him in your championship game? I wouldn’t.
Antonio Bryant, WR, Buccaneers: Bryant has had himself quite a couple games here in the past two weeks. In his last two games, Bryant has caught 17 passes for 308 yards and 3 TDs. He shouldn’t still be available in your league but if he is grab him because he gets a great match up this week against the Chargers and their 31st ranked pass defense.
Dennis Northcutt, WR, Jaguars: Northcutt had a very nice game against the Packers last week, hauling in 5 catches for 127 yards and a TD. However, don’t think he’s likely to repeat that feat this week against the Colts because he’s not. Last week was the first time Northcutt gained more than 49 yards receiving all season. Leave him on your waiver wire.
Kyle Mulligan is a contributing sports writer for the Observer. He welcomes your fantasy predictions and feedback. He can be reached at kjmulli@gmail.com.