Almost game time: Fun with Week 17

Those of us at the Fantasy Source have made it clear that the best fantasy football leagues are those that have championship games before Week 17. That's because many of the NFL's playoff-bound teams rest starters to prepare for the postseason.

What we haven't talked about is how fantasy owners still can have fun this week, postponing the imminent feelings of fantasy football withdrawal in the process. In one of my leagues, the commissioner decided to run a side game called the Shootout Bowl, where owners fill their lineups with NFL players of their choosing. It's like a salary cap league without a salary cap, and the owner scoring the most points wins the pot.



My team consists of the following players: Tom Brady, Tiki Barber, Larry Johnson, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, Antonio Gates, Lawrence Tynes and the Steelers' defense. Oh what I wouldn't do to have that lineup every week!

While overlapping of players is to be expected (I guarantee Gates will be nearly everyone's choice at tight end), there should be enough of a differential to crown a winner. Have at it, and good luck!

While overlapping of players is to be expected (I guarantee Gates will be nearly everyone's choice at tight end), there should be enough of a differential to crown a winner. Have at it, and good luck!


SHOW ME THE MONEY

Why is Tiki Barber among the best running backs in Ultimate Salary Cap Football? It's because 30 rushing or receiving yards count the same as one touchdown. The good news about Week 17 for Barber: He is in a terrific matchup against the Raiders, with plenty of motivation to succeed with a playoff spot on the line. Oakland is in the bottom fourth of the NFL in rushing touchdowns allowed (16) and ranks 24th in rushing yards allowed per game (122.5). Expect Tiki to break off a couple of big runs against a team that has won once in its past eight games.

Looking for a cheap third running back spot for your salary cap team? Consider Dominic Rhodes, as it's unlikely Edgerrin James will play much, if at all, in Week 17. Yes, I know Rhodes had five carries for -4 yards last week against the Seahawks, but if the Colts give him the bulk of touches, he is bound to score against a Cardinals defense that is tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed (22). Not bad for $2.30 million.

If you need to go cheap with one of your receivers, have I got a deal for you: Mark Clayton. This Ravens rookie has been outstanding of late, averaging 76 yards receiving in his past four games, and he has scored a touchdown in his past three contests. Buy him for $2.05 million, and you're bound to have success -- Clayton faces the Browns, who are struggling to the finish line.


DEFENSE!

Chances are, the person leading your salary cap league is using the Steelers' defense, which means you need to look elsewhere to make up ground in the standings. You should take a long look at the Buccaneers, who will clinch the NFC South with a win over the Saints. New Orleans will be starting quarterback Todd Bouman, who threw four interceptions in Week 15 against Carolina. The Buccaneers should be able to take his milk money.

What's that I hear? You can't afford the Buccaneeers' $4.06 million price tag? Consider the Giants' defense at $2.59 million. Oakland's Kerry Collins has three touchdown passes vs. six interceptions in his past five starts. Although the Giants' defense is dealing with some injuries, I think it is a gamble worth taking.

GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Saturday

SD: E. Parker (foot)
NYG: J. Shockey (ankle)
NYG: R. Torbor (hamstring)


Early Sunday

CIN: C. Palmer (groin)
CIN: R. Kelly (wrist)
GB: R. Ferguson (knee)
IND: B. Stokley (knee)
IND: M. Harrison (hand)
BAL: B.J. Sams (leg)
NYJ: S. Ellis (hamstring)
CAR: D. Foster (toe)
CAR: D. Morgan (shoulder)
DET: K. Jones (elbow)
DET: A. Pinner (ankle)
MIA: R. Brown (knee/ankle)
NE: T. Bruschi (leg)

Sunday afternoon

HOU: J. Wells (thigh)
TEN: D. Bennett (knee)
TEN: C. Brown (ankle)
TEN: E. Kinney (knee)
TEN: S. McNair (pectoral)
TEN: B. Troupe (ankle)
JAX: G. Jones (neck)
JAX: B. Leftwich (ankle) PHI: J. Kearse (knee)

Sunday night
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Associate Editor Roger Kuznia is a fantasy football expert for Sporting News.