OK, I know you’re already analyzing your squad’s weekly performances to find the scapegoat for a season gone awry. There will be ample spreadsheets started this weekend to begin the analysis of keeper league valuations while considering the NFL schedule formula.
Until then, let’s saddle up for one final run on the waiver wire. I’m championing the effort to make a two-week finale the standard in leagues. After all, we’re entering the seven-month drought before draft season begins in earnest for 2010 and eight months to pine away for the love of a 16-game schedule.
Let’s start with a quarterback coming into his own in Carolina.
Matt Moore, QB, CAR
The Panthers came out and ran over the Giants in Week 16, thus ending any playoff hopes for New York. Moore shone brightly again, completing 15-of-20 attempts for 171 yards and three touchdowns. It was his second consecutive three-touchdown game since assuming the top spot after Jake Delhomme’s injury. In the past three weeks, Moore’s thrown seven touchdown passes without an interception. He’s a solid play this week against the Saints, who have already clinched the top spot and home field advantage. I like his chances, even with top option Steve Smith sidelined with a broken arm.
Chad Henne, QB, MIA
The Dolphins are airing it out down the stretch, giving Henne a chance to demonstrate his big arm. He’s averaged 45.5 passing attempts in the past four weeks, producing an average of 306.5 passing yards per game and scoring five total touchdowns against six turnovers during this stretch. He’s a solid longshot play this week against the Pittsburgh pass defense that remains susceptible to big plays.
Vince Young, QB, TEN
Young failed in a huge spot for fantasy owners last week against the Chargers, passing for just 89 yards with three turnovers. Owners received a small bonus with 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, but that hardly made up for the lack of downfield passing production. We put him back on the radar for the finale against a Seattle team that’s seemingly packed it in. Young and the Titans are eliminated from playoff contention, but there are still things to build on for 2010.
Arian Foster, RB, HOU
Houston turned to Foster for a huge workload against the Dolphins, and he responded with a 19-carry, 97-yard effort and a touchdown in the win. His bid for additional touches was aided by Chris Brown’s loss of another fumble. He figures to be the top option for this finale, as the Texans look to secure a playoff berth. Ball security is king this week.
Sammy Morris, RB, NE
Morris took advantage of his opportunity against the Jaguars, a situation created when Laurence Maroney fumbled at the goal-line. The veteran back assumed the top spot and rumbled for 95 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Morris missed significant time early this season because of an injury and took a backseat to Maroney upon his return. However, Maroney’s fumbling issues finally seem to have caught up with him. I expect to see Morris take the bulk of the workload this week against Houston.
Mike Bell, RB, NO
Pierre Thomas left the Week 16 loss to Tampa Bay with bruised ribs, and his status for Week 17 is unknown. He’s also unlikely to assume a huge role after the Saints clinched the No. 1 slot with the Vikings’ loss to Chicago. I suspect he plays minimally, if at all, leaving the carries to Bell and Reggie Bush for the finale against Carolina.
Lex Hilliard, RB, MIA
Hilliard took the reins from an injured Ricky Williams in Week 16 and put together a tremendous day against the Texans and nearly led a huge comeback effort. He carried the ball just three times for 12 yards, but scored a rushing touchdown. He also added nine receptions for 74 yards and scored through the air as well. Williams’ injury status is unknown as of the early part of the week, putting Hilliard on the radar for deeper leagues in the finale. It’s obviously not a tremendous matchup against the Pittsburgh run defense, but Hilliard could be valuable in the passing game.
Todd Heap, TE, BAL
Heap didn’t rack up a huge reception total on Sunday against Pittsburgh, but he made his looks count for the second straight week. The oft-injured veteran tight end has been a solid, albeit unspectacular, option for fantasy owners during the year. In the past two weeks, he’s become a red zone beast, as four of his seven receptions were touchdown grabs. He’s caught multiple passes in all but two games this season and will most definitely be on the radar this week against Oakland.
Austin Collie, WR, IND
With Pierre Garcon sidelined by a hand injury and the starters pulled early, Collie shone as the top receiver in Sunday’s loss to the Jets. He caught six passes for 94 yards, although his three-game scoring streak came to an end. He’s averaged four receptions and 49.6 receiving yards in his past five games, and one would expect the Colts to sit down Reggie Wayne early against the Bills and put Collie back into the spotlight.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
Maclin returned to the field in Week 16 against the Broncos and posted a strong six-catch, 92-yard performance. The rookie from Missouri’s caught three or more passes in the last eight games in which he’s appeared, averaging 4.9 receptions and 65.3 yards per game.
Devin Aromashodu, WR, CHI
Aromashodu was among the stars of Week 16 with a breakout performance against the Vikings. He caught seven passes for 150 yards, including the game-winning 39-yard touchdown in overtime. He’s scored in two of the past three games, racking up 17 receptions and 236 yards. With the Bears turning to the downfield passing game with more regularity and Aromashodu past his early-season injury issues, he could be a big target in the finale against the Lions.
Josh Morgan, WR, SF
Morgan didn’t post the huge breakout game against the Lions we anticipated, but he still caught four passes for 21 yards. He’s been active in the passing game, having caught three or more passes in five consecutive contests and averaging 5.2 receptions and 39 yards per contest during this stretch. He’s worthy of a look-see as a deeper play against the Rams this weekend.
Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
Wallace continued his strong rookie campaign with a nice contribution to the narrow win over Baltimore in Week 16. He caught three passes for 83 yards, his 13th game with at least two receptions. In the past two weeks, he’s recorded five catches for 162 yards, including gains of 60 and 45 yards. He’s definitely on the radar this weekend against the Miami secondary.
