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FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

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By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 6, 2007

Welcome to the fantasy playoffs! In the vast majority of leagues, Week 14 marks the beginning of that sacred journey toward office bragging rights.

I hope you find yourself still in the hunt, or that you at least took down a potential playoff contender with you last week with a spoiling victory.

My sincere apologies to those of you who find yourselves out of the playoffs, despite beating one or more of the teams who got in ahead of you while having the same record. (Darn those total points tiebreakers!)

A note as you head into the playoffs: If you're in a league that admits six or more teams to the playoffs, and your playoffs don't begin until next week, I strongly suggest that your league change their playoff weeks for future seasons.

Having a fantasy league championship during Week 17 is extremely problematic, as NFL teams who have made the playoffs might be resting their starters, while teams out of the hunt are more likely to bench starters who are slightly banged up. If there are more than two rounds to your league's playoffs, having them in weeks 14, 15 and 16, respectively, is the best way to go.
MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

Time to change things up a little bit. Here are a couple of matchups to avoid, if you're lucky enough to be in the playoffs, but didn't lock up a first-round bye (or if your league doesn't have one):

Packers QB Brett Favre (vs. Oakland): On the surface, this looks like a beautiful fantasy matchup considering the season Favre has had and the season Oakland's defense, well, hasn't had. However, with Favre still nursing multiple injuries, I would be surprised to see Favre play the entire game, especially if the Packers mount a decent lead by halftime (which is very likely). I expect Favre to start, but not play into the second half, regardless of how his injuries are affecting him. With Aaron Rodgers' performance last week in relief of Favre, the Packers would have no problem letting him play the second half, especially if they're leading.

Titans QB Vince Young: Young is coming off an impressive performance last week against division rival Houston (21-for-31, 248 yards, two touchdowns, five carries for 44 yards), but don't get too excited. This week, Young faces a Chargers defense that leads the NFL in interceptions (20) and total takeaways (33). Young still has yet to find a consistent No. 1 target in the passing game, and his most consistent running back, LenDale White, is dealing with a dislocated finger. I'd bet against Young putting up any kind of favorable fantasy numbers this week.

INJURY REPORT

Brett Favre participated in Wednesday's practice, but only on a limited basis. Look for Favre, who is dealing with ankle, shoulder and elbow injuries, to practice fully today or Friday and start this week. Donovan McNabb also returned to practice Wednesday and, barring setbacks, should be available to start this week for the Eagles. Jeff Garcia was limited in practice Wednesday, and while it's possible he could start this week, Luke McCown's impressive performance in last week's huge division win against New Orleans makes it easier for the Bucs to sit Garcia if he's not 100 percent. Kurt Warner's elbow is feeling good enough for him to stay in the lineup in goal-line situations this week, a responsibility given to backup Tim Rattay over the past few weeks due to Warner's injury. Matt Schaub, who is suffering from a left shoulder injury, missed practice Wednesday and is unlikely to start this week. Look for the Texans to start Sage Rosenfels in a tough matchup against Tampa Bay.

Brian Westbrook did not practice Wednesday, but he's still likely to start this week. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson saw limited action in Wednesday's practice, but given last week's performance, there's no reason to believe he won't be in action this week. Marshawn Lynch's status for this week's game remains up in the air, as his ankle injury kept him limited in practice Wednesday. LenDale White spent Wednesday's practice doing conditioning drills as his dislocated finger continues to heal. Barring setbacks, look for White to be in the starting lineup this week. Larry Johnson participated in individual drills Wednesday, but it's still very doubtful he'll be active this week, especially given Kolby Smith's recent performances in his stead. After losing Derrick Ward for the rest of the year with a broken leg, the Giants are hopeful that Brandon Jacobs, who was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, will be able to start this week. If Jacobs can't go, Reuben Droughns will get the start.

Roy Williams' sprained knee will sideline him for 3-5 weeks, with Williams hope that he'll be able to return against Green Bay in three weeks for the Lions' season finale. T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed practice Wednesday, as he has for most of the season, but expect him to be in the starting lineup this week. Larry Fitzgerald was limited in practice Wednesday, while Anquan Boldin missed practice altogether. Fitzgerald is expected to start, while Boldin's status is unclear. Plaxico Burress missed another Wednesday practice, but will likely start this week. Kevin Curtis practiced full on Wednesday and should be good to go for this week. Santonio Holmes returned to practice and is likely to start this week, while Laveranues Coles was limited in Wednesday's practice and while he's likely to play this week, he'll be less than 100 percent.

WAIVER-WIRE WONDERS

Bills RB Fred Jackson: Jackson burst onto the seen last week, starting in place of injured backs Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas. Jackson racked up 151 total yards on just 20 touches (16 carries for 82 yards, four receptions for 69), and was instrumental in the Bills' 17-16 win over Washington. With the return of Lynch and Thomas still very much in doubt, Jackson remains incredibly valuable, especially if you're in need of a fill-in starter for the playoffs. If Jackson is still available in your league, snatch him up.

Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson: With Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin nursing injuries, Johnson becomes and intriguing option if you're looking for a fill-in starter at wide receiver. Fitzgerald is more likely to start than Boldin, but even if only one of them is missing from the starting lineup, Johnson will fill in and get a good number of looks in the Cards' pass-favoring offense. In place of Fitzgerald last week, Johnson caught six passes for 56 yards and a score.

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