Mulligan’s Fantasy Forecast, Week 17
The fantasy football season is over for the majority of people but the game goes on for a wacky few. As if trying to find out whether or not your banged up players will play, fantasy owners who play through Week 17 also have to find out exactly how much their players will play in the final week because guys like Tom Brady probably won’t play much this week since his Patriots have nothing to play for. It’s not easy, but more power to you guys (and girls) who enjoy it. I’ll help as best I can.
Good match-ups
Mario Manningham vs. Redskins defense: Manningham has been a beast since Steve Smith was lost for the season due to injury and don’t expect him to slow down this week. The Giants, who are fighting for their playoff lives, will take on division rival Washington who happens to be giving up 263 passing yards per game this season. Start Manningham this week and don’t look back.
Ryan Mathews vs. Broncos defense: Though Mathews has been a bit of a disappointment this season, I wouldn’t think twice about starting him this week when the Chargers take on the Broncos and the second worst run defense in the NFL. Mike Tolbert is not expected to play this week, meaning Mathews should get nearly all of the work out of the backfield.
Not so good match-ups
Peyton Hillis vs. Steelers defense: Hillis put up his worst overall performance of the season last week and isn’t likely to improve on it much as the Browns will take on the Steelers this week. Hillis managed just 41 yards rushing the last time he faced Pittsburgh, though he made up for it a bit with six catches for 49 yards. He also hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 12, so I’m staying away from Hillis this week.
Knowshon Moreno vs. Chargers defense: Before we even discuss how the Chargers are a bad match up for Moreno this week, there’s a chance Knowshon may not play in this week’s game at all due to a rib injury. If the knowledge that Moreno is banged up going into a completely meaningless game for the Broncos isn’t enough of a reason for you to bench him, then the fact that San Diego has allowed the second fewest rushing yards per game in the league this season should be plenty.
Waiver wire watch
Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos: You might not read this next sentence ever again so make sure you read it twice. I would start Tim Tebow over Tom Brady this week. Brady and the Patriots have nothing to play for this week, having already locked up home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Tebow is in line for another start this week, albeit against a good Chargers defense. He should still be able to put up more fantasy points than Brady, who might only play for one quarter this week.
Kyle Mulligan is a contributing sports writer for the Observer. He welcomes your feedback and can be reached at kjmulli@gmail.com.