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FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

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By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2007

Here we are at Week 15, which marks the playoff semifinals for most leagues. In many leagues, I'm certain things went as planned, with the stronger, higher-seeded teams moving on to the second round. However, percentages don't always end up telling the final story, so kudos to those of you who rose to the challenge and pulled off a playoff upset this past week.

Here are some tips as you attempt to ascend the fantasy summit and clinch a spot in your league's title game.

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

Here are a couple of matchups to be wary of heading into this week. These guys are still solid options to start this week, especially in deeper leagues, but if you've got comparable or better options elsewhere on your roster, I'd strongly consider making a change.

Chiefs RB Kolby Smith: Smith burst onto the scene a few weeks ago with a 150-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance in place of the injured Larry Johnson. Johnson's return this season is still questionable, at best, so Smith likely will be the featured back from here on out. However, the situation along the Kansas City offensive line has gone from bad to worse, as starting left tackle Damion McIntosh missed last week's game with an injury and is questionable for this week. Without McIntosh in front of him last week, Smith managed just 12 yards rushing on 13 carries, while catching one pass for minus-2 yards. Smith also faces Tennessee this week, which ranks sixth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 297.6 total yards per game. Again, he's still a decent start, but if you're choosing between Smith and a back who's likely to get a comparable number of touches against a more favorable opponent, I'd go in the direction opposite Smith.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger: While Roethlisberger has been a solid performer for Pittsburgh this year, his fantasy numbers have been lackluster, especially lately. Big Ben hasn't thrown for more than 200 yards in any of the last four games, and he hasn't posted a multi-touchdown performance since Week 7. This week, the Steelers face a Jaguars team that is tied for sixth in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 17.6 points per game. Also, with the Jags missing DT Marcus Stroud, the Steelers are more likely to pound the ball between the tackles with the running game. Don't be afraid to sit Roethlisberger if you have someone with a better matchup on your roster.

INJURY REPORT

Brett Favre was nowhere to be found on the Packers' injury report Wednesday, and he will make yet another start Sunday in a favorable matchup against the Rams. Kurt Warner's left elbow injury didn't keep him out of Wednesday's practice, so it looks like he's good to start this week. Jeff Garcia (back) and Vince Young (ribs) are both expected to start for their respective teams this week. Sage Rosenfels will make yet another start for Houston tonight against Denver, as Matt Schaub will be out again with a left shoulder injury.

Reggie Bush will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn PCL in his knee. Larry Johnson already has been ruled out of this week's game, and there's little hope that he will return to action this season. Brian Westbrook was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury, but he's still a good bet to start this week in a crucial division matchup against Dallas. While Clinton Portis missed a portion of Washington's game last week with a hand injury, he was not on the team's injury report Wednesday and should start this week. Frank Gore was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, but he should still be in the starting lineup on Sunday. Ron Dayne was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice and remains questionable for tonight's game against Denver. Jesse Chatman practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether he'll start this week ahead of Samkon Gado, who found the end zone twice on the ground last week.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee, back) and Plaxico Burress both missed practice Wednesday but are expected to start yet again this week. Larry Fitzgerald was limited in practice on Wednesday and remains questionable to start in this week's game. Roy Williams missed practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to play this week, though he does hold out hope that his sprained knee will not sideline him for the remainder of the season. Laveranues Coles (high ankle sprain) was limited in Wednesday's practice, as was teammate Jerricho Cotchery, but both are likely to play through their injuries this week. Anquan Boldin spent Wednesday's practice on the sidelines wearing a protective boot for his injured toe, leaving his status for this week's game up in the air.

Tony Gonzalez was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, and his status for this week's game remains unclear. Leonard Pope will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a dislocated ankle in last week's game. Both Todd Heap (hamstring) and L.J. Smith (knee, ribs) remain questionable for this week, and will likely both be game-time decisions.

WAIVER WIRE WONDERS

Saints RB Aaron Stecker: With Bush officially out for the season with a torn knee ligament, Stecker becomes a must-own in every league. Stecker had already seen a decent number of touches for a backup following the Saints' loss of Deuce McAllister, but now he's sure to be the featured back for the rest of the season. Stecker is a solid runner who can take the pounding of 20-25 carries per game, and he's most dangerous in the passing game. If for some reason the rest of your league hasn't wised up to Stecker's new increase in workload, snatch him up fast.

Texans RB Darius Walker: This one is geared more toward deeper leagues (12 teams or more), or if you're extremely desperate for a starting RB this week. Walker saw his first action of the season this past week in a win against Tampa Bay, and put up decent numbers against a stout defense in relief of the injured Ron Dayne. The Texans are not expecting to have Dayne's services this week, and with Ahman Green already on injured reserve, Walker most likely will get the start. Again, if you're in desperate need of a spot starter for your playoff game this week, especially in a deeper league, Walker would be a solid option.

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