Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Michael Salfino

Week 15 was hopelessly destroyed by a nor'easter that wiped out many heretofore fantasy heroes. The stakes are even higher in Week 16. Weather is something we can't forecast midweek. But we do know now that some stars may be playing half-heartedly, if at all, given that 80 percent of playoff spots and seeds are locked up.

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Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: All the chips are on the table when the Redskins come into town this week. With a talent like Peterson, you don't worry about the opponent's rankings versus the run. Peterson can gash anyone with his elite combination of power, elusiveness and speed. Chester Taylor was used as a typical backup/third-down back last week.

Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins: The Redskins scheme the running game well, so it wouldn't surprise me to see Portis have success against the normally stout Vikings front seven. In this week, with so many stars seemingly unmotivated to give their all, Portis' ability to always play with passion coupled with Washington's playoff chances outweigh the bad matchup.

Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars: I'm not surprised about how well Taylor has run, because he ran that well last year. That's why I was down on Maurice Jones-Drew in August. Even I will ignore age and mileage when I see a 5.0 or better yards-per-carry average. Taylor's been fortunate to get some red-zone TDs that normally would fall to Jones-Drew. But he's always playable in yardage-heavy leagues. The Jaguars still need a win to clinch a playoff spot.

Browns offense: I think Jamal Lewis is the best play now on this unit given the inclement weather possible in Cincy this weekend. Plus the Browns have a reputation as a throwing team, but are decidedly run-heavy on first down and when the score is close. Lewis is on the top of his game and the Bengals are pushovers. Of course, barring more heavy winds, play all Browns you normally would.

Saints passing game: Drew Brees and Marques Colston are locked in. Colston has been as dynamic as any fantasy wideout other than Randy Moss the past two months. And he's in the ballpark with Moss. Even David Patten is a sneaky play if you can grab him on the waiver wire and bench a better player who is likely to treat Sunday like the second preseason week. The Saints still cling to playoff life.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles: New Orleans can't play defense and Westbrook should have his way not only on the ground but especially in the passing game. Hopefully, he won't again give up the easy TD so his team can kill the clock (a heady play, we must admit). The Eagles made it clear last week in the spirited upset of the Cowboys that they won't lie down. Donovan McNabb just isn't very good right now, so don't rush to play him and the Eagles receivers despite the Saints' bottom ranking in YPA allowed.

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Packers offense: Green Bay is alive for the No. 1 seed thanks to Dallas' loss last week. So the Packers should be sufficiently motivated in Chicago, where wind is most likely to be a factor. Forget what Bob Dylan says: you do need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows in Week 16.

Cowboys offense: Monitor Tony Romo's thumb. Teams usually play hard for the No. 1 seed. No guarantees though, with the other seedings. That's why playing Chargers is a hold-your-breath proposition going forward.

Patriots Passing Game: Tom Brady and company are locked into the historic run at 19-0 and will be looking to rev the passing game back up against the terrible Dolphins' defense before the home fans. Weather is all you worry about, and not temperature or even flurries -- just 20-plus MPH winds.

Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots: He needs another nor'easter to be productive.

Seahawks offense: I'm on the fence here. If you have Hasselbeck and no decent options (another top 15 QB) behind him, I guess you have to roll with him and his starting receivers. Last week's dull effort against the Panthers makes me pessimistic. But they're home this week against the Ravens, as dead as a team can be. Thinking a locked-in playoff team won't mail it in at home may be wishcasting.

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Colts offense: Indy's shown in the past that they treat these last regular-season games like glorified preseason weeks and focus intently on keeping guys healthy. Given the number of starters they have sidelined, you can't blame them.

Tampa Bay offense: The Bucs have played hard all year. But I hate them traveling all the way to San Francisco and mucking it up with the ugly Niners, given they have already clinched the NFC South and have no chance at a Week 18 bye. Do they care about whether they play the Vikings or the Giants? New York is the likely higher seed and the worst team, by far, now. So you can argue that the Bucs are better off with the lower (No. 4) seed.

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