Championship Weekend!

First everyone make sure you welcome our new Fantasy CPR writer Joe Dexter!  Now, it’s “Championship Weekend” in about 90 percent of the fantasy leagues out there.  That means you are pouring over your rosters and wondering who you can put where to fill a need or a hole.

If your like me, your wondering “how the hell did I make it here?”  Yes in one league I actually am playing for my second title in 2 years…but will likely lose because frankly, my roster sucks and his doesn’t.  So like you, I have spent the last 4 days pouring over the waiver wire…yes it’s that bad…looking for someone, anyone who can help out.  It’s pretty sad when you pick up Dennis Northcutt to start in week 16 of the season…it’s even sadder when he gets you a 100 yards and a touchdown.  Sometimes luck is just as important.

So who else is out there that might be a viable option for your team?  We all know that if you have the Westbrook’s, the Tomlinson’s, and so forth that your going to start them.  But what if you don’t?  Here is a quick look at some of the guys that might be able to make your roster good enough to win it all…oh, and if you want to have a little fun in your league…dump the guys you won’t be starting.  It’s funny how many people will jump on names like Barber, and Jackson, and Cassel when there is nothing after this week.  It’s a cruel play I admit it.

Worth a Look:

Dan Orlovsky – Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints.  Yes, I said a Lion.  Orlovsky is playing good ball not great but if your staring down a roster filled with names like Cassel, Cutler, Warner, and Romo.  Danny “O” might be worth a serious look.  Orlovsky has thrown 5 TD’s in the last 2 games and has an indoor match-up with the Saints whereas Cassel and Warner will have bitter cold and a New England Nor’Easter rolling in that should inhibit the passing games.  Cutler could have a good game against Buffalo but if the Chargers lose in their early match-up with Tampa Bay, Cutlers’ playing time and drive to win could take a hit and unfortunately you can’t wait until the outcome of SD to decide.  My take?  Danny “0″ over Warner, Cassel, and Romo (battered and bruised from last week), flip a coin over Cutler.

Fred Jackson - RB – Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos.  Jackson is a spitfire RB who unfortunately runs behind Marshawn Lynch.  Lynch is a little banged up right now and while he will play on Sunday in Denver, Jackson should see plenty of opportunities on the field and is a viable option for Trent Edwards who is returning as well.  It’s difficult to make that move but if your in a bind at RB Jackson should some good touches and he can get into the endzone.  Denver has a weak defense but they could stack the line on Sunday so keep that in mind as well.  There just are not that many options out there.

Tashard Choice – RB – Dallas vs. Baltimore.  Saturday nights big game has the number 2 ranked defense (Baltimore) taking on the Dallas Cowboys who will be playing their final game in Texas Stadium.  Marion Barber is still a game time decision and truth be told, if he does play it’s not looking like he will have much of an impact.  Choice however is not a bad option here.  Yes, I know the Ravens are stifling but Choice should be a viable option out of the backfield for Romo who stands to be under a lot of pressure.  He will not get you 15 to 20 points tonight but he could get you 8-10 and if your in need of a RB, he may be enough to at least get you some points and let’s face it in a Championship game the last think you want is a zero and with Choice you know he will at least be on the field quite a bit.

Maurice Morris - RB – Seattle vs. NY Jets.  This is a weak play but if your in a pinch he should be available.  He will likely get the nod over Julius Jones who has been nothing short of a bust this year.  Then again, Seattle has been nothing short of a bust as well.  I know the Jets defense is good, but they will be traveling across country for the 2nd time in 3 weeks and it could take it’s toll.  Seattle almost upset New England two weeks ago and the way to beat anyone is on the ground.  Morris will get his carries and if you are scanning the waiver/free agent wire your not likely to find much but this is at least someone who will play.

Sammy Morris - RB – New England vs. Arizona.  This is the only player you should consider starting on either team this weekend.  The weather should be very cold and the wind should be a factor, there could even be snow flurries as well.  That should put the game completely on the ground and if that is the case the best runner on either team is Morris.  In most leagues he is not likely available but if he is grab him and start him.  If he is on your bench start him.  You may want to consider starting him over a few names as well given some of this weekends match-ups.

WEATHER GAMES TO AVOID:

The weather will have an impact on more than a few games.  As mentioned, stay clear of the arms and wr’s in New England on both teams and opt for the running game instead.  In Kansas City the running backs should be the plays there however keep in mind that with sub 20 degree temps, fumbles can occur alot and Ronnie Brown and Larry Johnson could see themselves putting the ball where it doesn’t belong…into the hands of the other team.

Chicago and Green Bay will close out the Monday Night Football season in the windy city and it could be very windy.  That would put the games in the control of the rushing attacks.  Chicago’s defense is good enough to stop GB’s Ryan Grant.  Chicago on the other hand may be without Matt Forte which will put teams in a spin to figure out who to start.  The options are Adrianne Peterson…the other one and Kevin Jones.  Jones is likely the better option.

Good luck with your weekend games and remember, regardless of how you got there, you still got there!