It’s officially championship time in infinite fantasy football leagues around the country now. Seldom used backups have a history of playing prominent parts in the final couple weeks and this season won’t likely be any different. I mean who would have thought that Ron Dayne, Derek Anderson, Sammy Morris, Michael Pittman and D.J. Hackett could play huge roles this weekend in determining where your league’s trophy is headed? Fred Taylor, Carnell Williams and Darrell Jackson are a few of the bigger named stars that have already been ruled out for the week. This edition of The Weekly Forecast will break down the latest on the injury list and some strong matchups to help you set your best lineup.
Injuries
Quarterbacks
Jake Delhomme – not expected to play, Chris Weinke will start
Charlie Frye – Derek Anderson will start again
Carson Palmer – will start
Michael Vick – will start despite nagging groin injury

Running Backs
Joseph Addai – expected to play
Ronnie Brown – not expected to start, but might play, Sammy Morris is better option
Antonio Bryant – likely out for the season
Warrick Dunn – will start, Jerious Norwood will return as backup this week
Travis Henry – should start, has decent matchup in Buffalo
Cedric Houston – not expected to play, Leon Washington and Kevin Barlow will get carries
Brandon Jacobs – expected to play and be goal line, short yardage back
Kevin Jones – out for season, Arlen Harris will start
Thomas Jones – will play, but Cedric Benson is expected to have larger role
Laurence Maroney – expected to play, might be limited
Fred Taylor – out for week 16, Jones-Drew and Alvin Pearman will get carries
Carnell Williams – out, Michael Pittman will start, Mike Alstott to be goal line back

Wide Receivers
Drew Bennett – expected to play, didn’t have any catches last week
Darrell Jackson – out because of turf toe, D.J. Hackett is nice short-term option
Joe Jurevicius – will start
Joe Horn – out for week 16 and doubtful for week 17
Derrick Mason – he and Mark Clayton expected to start
Randy Moss – likely out for the season
Kelley Washington – out again, Chris Henry is No. 3 WR option again

Tight Ends
Dallas Clark – out for week 16
Todd Heap – expected to start

Best/Worst Matchups in week 16
Up against toughest run defenses
1. Minnesota (54.5 YPG) – Ahman Green 18 rushes, 42 yards
2. Baltimore (79.4 YPG) – Willie Parker, Najeh Davenport
3. Jacksonville (83.8 YPG) – Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney/Kevin Faulk
4. New England (87.7 YPG) – Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew
5. Pittsburgh (90.4 YPG) – Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson

Up against easiest run defenses
32. Indianapolis (173.4 YPG) – Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy
31. St. Louis (147.8 YPG) – Ladell Betts, T.J. Duckett
30. Cleveland (144.7 YPG) – Michael Pittman, Mke Alstott
29. Tennessee (144.6 YPG) – Willis McGahee, Anthony Thomas
28. Philadelphia (138.6 YPG) – Julius Jones, Marion Barber

Up against toughest pass defenses
1. Oakland (151.6 YPG) – Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez, Eddie Kennison
2. Indianapolis (155.8 YPG) – David Carr, Andre Johnson, Eric Moulds
3. Miami (178.3 YPG) – Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery
4. Chicago (184.3 YPG) – Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Mike Furrey
5. New Orleans (184.9 YPG) – Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey

Up against easiest pass defenses
32. Cincinnati (241.6 YPG) – Jay Cutler, Javon Walker, Rod Smith
31. Minnesota (238.0 YPG) – Brett Favre 26-for-50, 285 yards, two INT
30. Atlanta (236.2 YPG) – Chris Weinke, Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson
29. Arizona (235.9 YPG) – Alex Smith, Arnaz Battle, Vernon Davis
28. New York Giants (232.9 YPG) – Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson

Week 16 Schedule
Thursday, Dec. 21
Minnesota 7 at Green Bay 9
 
Saturday, Dec. 23
Kansas City at Oakland 8:00 pm 44/20%
 
Sunday, Dec. 24
Baltimore at Pittsburgh 1:00 pm 48/35, 10%
Carolina at Atlanta 1:00 pm Dome
Chicago at Detroit 1:00 pm Dome
Indianapolis at Houston 1:00 pm Dome
New England at Jacksonville 1:00 pm 74/61, 60%
New Orleans at N.Y. Giants 1:00 pm 53/35, 10%
Tampa Bay at Cleveland 1:00 pm 43/38, 10%
Tennessee at Buffalo 1:00 pm 43/34, 30%
Washington at St. Louis 1:00 pm 51/37, 0%
Arizona at San Francisco 4:05 pm 59/47, 20%
Cincinnati at Denver 4:15 pm 40/19, 10%
San Diego at Seattle 4:15 pm 46/41, 70%
 
Monday, Dec. 25
Philadelphia at Dallas 5:00 pm 57/30%, 10%
N.Y. Jets at Miami 8:30 pm 82/67, 30%

Questions, comments, quandaries? Contact me at tycoon4477@hotmail.com