This post is short and to the point. Who’s playing, who’s sitting, and who’s status do you need to monitor leading up to game time for this weekend’s match ups? Week 17 is bare, and it’s always a crapshoot trying to plan for championships won in this week. I got the AFC and my brother in Razz, the Hateful One, has the NFC. We’ll give you what we got and try to help you navigate through the madness. Just so we’re clear your Commissioner is an a-hole. Really… Week 17? I remember my first fantasy league too! These are your AFC Plays for Week 17.
Tom Brady – I’m guessing that Belichick plays him and the Pats starters for a half. Back in 2005 BB did bench Brady the last game of the season against Miami and played Matt Cassel. I doubt he does the same thing this year with Jimmy G. But your guess is as good as mine. I expect Brady to play a quarter maybe a full half.
Rob Gronkowski – Ahhh yes Gronk my 4 year old’s Favorite. He’s been known to yell “Groooonkkkk!” And “That’s a Groooooonkkk!” while watching the game with me. I’m hoping he doesn’t have a chance to say that this Sunday. It’s best we save those for the playoffs my dear boy. If Gronk plays I would expect it’s much like Brady, for a half. In other words stay away from Patriots. Unless it’s Jonas Gray, he’ll probably see a ton of work.
Julian Edelman – He didn’t play last week, I’m guessing he sits this week. Go pickup Danny Amendola if you need a receiver, he’ll probably see a ton of looks.
LeGarrette Blount – He’s practiced this week, but he did last week as well. He’ll be active more than likely but I’d stay away. If you need a back go Jonas Gray, then again week 17 is always a good time to avoid Patriots.
Philip Rivers – The gritty vet will gut it out this week after doing the same last week with a bulging disk in his back. Regardless of injury he’s not a great start against Kansas City anyway, five of his last seven contests have been under 15 fantasy points in most scoring formats. Look elsewhere, try Ryan Tannehill.
Ryan Mathews – This guy is the worst!!! He has the timing of diarrhea in overtime of game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. Only I’d rather crap my pants than own him. No chance he plays no matter how much hope Mike McCoy holds out.
Justin Forsett – He’s listed as questionable but insists he’s fine. After a knee tweak a few weeks back he hasn’t been right. It doesn’t help he keeps spraining his ankle. His latest ankle flair up cost him the last 9 minutes of the Raven’s week 16 game. He sounds like he’ll play but I’d temper my expectations.
A.J. Green – Looks like a game time decision. Didn’t practice on Wednesday but the the reports out of Bengals camp are optimistic. Monitor this one closely.
Emmanuel Sanders – Looks to be a go for Sunday. He’s been limited all week in practice but there doesn’t seem to be any real concern.
T.Y. Hilton – Practiced again on Wednesday. I’d be shocked if he isn’t a go.
Reggie Wayne – Listed as questionable, and he admitted he needed off season surgery to fix a tricep injury. Hi Reggie….meet Bench..
Dwayne Allen – Unlikely to play, but you should bench him on principal for last week’s goose egg.
Alex Smith – Out Sunday vs. the Chargers due to a lacerated spleen. Chase Daniels will now start in his place. I’d start Knile Davis this week without a doubt, should be a high volume running day at Arrowhead.
