Week seventeen is a sticky wicket, a dense thicket of difficult decisions. The Crystal Ball, as always, endeavors to provide you with some good ideas you might not have thought of, as well as some bad ideas you might be thinking too much about.

QUARTERBACK

Eli Manning, Giants (YES!): When in doubt, go with the guys playing meaningful games. Particularly when that game is against the worst pass defense in the league. Of course, if you have Manning on your team, you're probably not reading this because your team isn't playing this week.

Brett Favre, Packers (NO!): I know, guys playing meaningful games. And after last season, it really would be nice if Favre led his team into the playoffs. But the truth is that Favre gets too up for these types of games, and makes mistakes. The Bears aren't playing for anything, and their defense isn't as good as it was early in the season, but I wouldn't count on Favre here.

RUNNING BACK

Ron Dayne, Texans (YES!): I have no explanation for this. He really hasn't looked good since his senior year at Wisconsin. But he's good now, and he's got a great matchup.

Thomas Jones, Bears (NO!): Jones should play, and he has some personal milestones to try to reach. Nonetheless, the Bears won't risk getting him hurt prior to the playoffs.

WIDE RECEIVER

Mike Furrey, Lions (YES!): Furrey was a bit of a feast or famine type early on (as well as a surprise), but he's been on a roll since week seven. He should break the thousand-yard barrier this week (for the season, not the game).

Javon Walker, Broncos (NO!): I know, he's reached the end zone two weeks in a row, but he still hasn't done much overall since Jay Cutler took over.

TIGHT END

Tony Scheffler, Broncos (YES!): In contrast to Walker, Scheffler has taken off since Cutler became the quarterback.

Desmond Clark, Bears (NO!): This is a game to stay away from almost across the board.

KICKER

David Akers, Eagles (YES!): The Eagles are obviously gearing up to break your heart dramatically, but they'll probably wait until the playoffs to do it.

Rob Bironas, Titans (NO!): I know, he's got something to play for, but the Patriots just don't allow much scoring.

DEFENSE

Cincinnati Bengals (YES!): My regular pick is back, with a matchup against the demoralized, deflated, and turnover-prone Steelers.

Miami Dolphins (NO!): Manning and company just don't make many mistakes.