Everyone is confronted with tough decisions week in and week out. Those who make the right decisions on who to start and who to bench will win. Outsiders often attribute the ability to make the right decision to luck. It can be the case, but skilled owners make far more right choices than wrong. Makes sense, right? Below is my way of making those tough decisions a little bit easier. Our weekly rankings should be a good tool to help you make that decision, but there are still several "tweeners" out there that may leave you frustrated. I'm here to help, my friend.
QUARTERBACK
Drew Bledsoe, Cowboys (YES!): Bledsoe and the Cowboys are in a must-win situation this week, and the Rams...well...aren’t. And while Dallas is likely to give St. Louis a heavy dose of the running game, the Rams are vulnerable to the pass this year as well.
David Garrard, Jaguars (NO!): Garrard, like Rex Grossman, is tempting this week among the playoff team quarterbacks simply because he needs reps with the first team. However, uncertainty surrounding Byron Leftwich in some ways makes keeping Garrard healthy even more important. Accordingly, he’s not a strong choice this week.
RUNNING BACK
Willie Parker, Steelers (YES!): It’s been an up and down season for Fast Willie, and this is a good “up” week. While the Steelers would love to get a big lead and rest their starters, chances are that they won’t want to take the foot off the accelerator until deep into the game.
Shaun Alexander, Seahawks (NO!): If you’ve got Alexander, I hope you’ve already played your league’s championship.
WIDE RECEIVER
Muhsin Muhammad, Bears (YES!): Even with a home game and bye sewn up, the Bears need to get reps for Grossman, who suddenly seems to be the key to their postseason. He also seems to be able to get the ball to Muhammad.
Darrell Jackson, Seahawks (NO!): He came back two weeks ago to provide his standard performance, but with some swelling in his knee there’s no way they risk him for any serious period of time this weekend.
TIGHT END
Jason Witten, Cowboys (YES!): He’s been a disappointment this year, but he’s one of the few major tight ends with something to play for this week.
Erron Kinney, Titans (NO!): Injuries and a meaningless game are a bad mix in the final week of the season.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Pittsburgh Steelers (YES!): They’ve got a favorable matchup, they’re on a roll, and they need to win.
Cincinnati Bengals (NO!): The league’s premier turnover defense probably loses a little with less to play for.
KICKERS
Jeff Reed, Steelers (YES!): Pittsburgh has been scoring like crazy, and this week should be no exception.
Mike Vanderjagt, Colts (NO!): Another game where lack of urgency makes a difference.