Game Day Wonders: Championship Week

Well, what a year it was, or wasn't for many of you fantasy geeks out there. With the championship week upon us, I introduce to you the final Game Day Wonders column of the 2006 season. I have provided you with some great insight that has stuck all year long, including the efficiency of the Miami run defense, Willie Parker's road game worries, and the up and down inconsistencies of L.J. Smith and Reggie Brown. Even though I have hit on more plays than I have missed, I did fall flat on my face with some DeShaun Foster projections, and Ladell Betts projections. Regardless, I think you have been very satisfied with this insight and I hate to bring it to an end, but you know what they say, all good things do come to an end. Now, on to the Hot List, Cold List, and my Silent but Deadly call!

The Hot List

• I have really strayed from pimping any defenses in the Game Day Wonders this year, but this week I would take a look at starting the Green Bay Packers defense and special teams. They take on a Minnesota Vikings offense that will be starting a rookie signal caller, Tarvaris Jackson. Green Bay's pass defense isn't the greatest, but Al Harris is one of the best playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. I also think that Chester Taylor will get loaded upon from the onset and struggle in accumulating meaningful yards. Green Bay is only allowing 4.1 yards per carry, and has given up only 6 long runs of 20 yards or more this season. Statistically-speaking, the Packers defense actually seems like a smarter play than the Jacksonville, Denver, and Minnesota defensive units. If you have a favorable point scoring system for D/ST's, start this Packers unit and ride them out for a championship. I am expecting the Packers to limit Minnesota to 220 total yards, grab 2 interceptions, 0 fumble recoveries, and 5, count them, 5 sacks this week.
• Some people may have the option of sitting or starting Willis McGahee this week. Well, let me tell you this, he is a must start this week. The Tennessee Titans defense will disappoint this week. Buffalo is 5-2 in their last seven games, quietly putting doubters to sleep, and McGahee is back running on all fours, well, so-to speak. The Titans' defense is allowing 145.3 yards per game to opposing running backs. McGahee has four touchdowns in his last four games and has averaged 102 yards per outing the last two weeks. Pound for pound, McGahee will produce like a higher end tier 2 running back this week, as he rushes for 127 yards, 1touchdown, and snags 4 pigskins for 39 yards.
• If any week is a good week to start Edgerrin James, it would be this week. San Francisco is ranked 31^st in touchdowns allowed to opposing running backs. The 49ers defense has stepped it up recently, and I do think Edgerrin James yardage may be a bit limited, but James should reach the end zone this week. If you are in your championship, and need help at the running back position but don't think you can count on James this week, I hope to steer you in the direction of this former Colt. James has scored in each of his last two games. San Francisco is also ranked 23^rd in first downs allowed by running backs. I expect James to get the rock 30 or more times this week, the first time since week 6. Also, a 74 yard performance to go along with one score can be expected this week from a one-time stud. Those days seem to be long gone but some memories may be rejuvenated this Sunday.

The Cold List

• Fault me if I am wrong on this one, but Eli Manning should not be depended on to win any championships this week. New Orleans is ranked 5^th against the pass, and should get up early on the Giants in a week where a Drew Brees-rebound should be more than expected. The Saints are also ranked 3^rd in completion percentage. Eli Manning looks like a lost puppy at times, and has had only 3 or 4 good fantasy football weeks all season. Don't depend on him for all the glory! Don't count on anything more than 210 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions from Manning this week.
• The Weapons of Grass Destruction should be grounded this week. Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney will face a true test of identity when they try to break the concrete front seven of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags' are allowing only 3.4 yards per carry to opposing running backs. Of course, Maroney is once again a huge question mark for this week and with the injury report coming out Wednesday. Regardless, do not expect fantasy champion numbers from either back this week. With Kevin Faulk's status to be uncertain, and knowing how the front office in Foxboro deals with injuries, steer clear of any Patriot running back this week.
• Chris Chambers has disappointed owners week in and week out yet he is such an intriguing play, his upside keeps him in the starting lineup. Aside from his big performance two weeks ago, Chambers has only averaged 33 yards per game in seven of his last 8 outings. If you need someone else to convince you to bench Chambers, it is I. Chambers was a monster down the stretch in 2005, helping to win many fantasy titles, but this year, he is doing nothing but helping you lose them. Yes, sit Chris Chambers. You can breathe easier if you do. Expect nothing more than just 3 receptions for 27 yards. Daunte Culpepper couldn't find him, Joey Harrington couldn't find him, and Cleo Lemon won't find him. Don't inadvertently put your championship hopes in the hands of any Dolphin quarterback!

Silent but Deadly

• If you are finding yourself in your league championship with what you honestly can say is an average fantasy squad, and have the likes of Arnaz Battle on your roster, there is no way you can bench Battle and his upside this week, especially in a PPR league. Arizona is second in yards per reception allowed this year, giving up nearly 13 yards a catch to opposing wide receivers. We have seen Arnaz Battle grow into a trustworthy relationship with signal caller Alex Smith and I expect Smith to look for Battle early and often. Arizona is also only one of 7 teams to allow ten or more receptions of 40 yards or more. Battle is not known as the ultimate deep threat, like say Bernard Berrian of Chicago, but he does have the ability to grab the long ball. I am expecting a good, productive day for Battle as he posts 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown.

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