Quarterbacks

Must Start: The Top 10

Peyton Manning vs. Miami – He’s angry and still playing for something. Even if he goes for a half, there’s nobody else that deserves a start like this guy. He brought you to the mountain top, so you might as well let him be the one to plant the flag. When’s the last time he hasn’t tossed 3 TDs in a game?

Marc Bulger @ Minnesota – The hottest QB in the league right now will be trying to get his team into the playoffs. Although it’s a road game, the battle still takes place in a dome and the Viking’s defense is starting to break down. Look for Marc to take control while the line stacks up against Steven Jackson. He’s going to go off!

Carson Palmer vs. Pittsburgh – The Steelers D is just a myth at this point and Palmer and the Bengals don’t believe the hype. With Torpedo Troy out of there, Palmer will have time to do as he pleases. With the best wide out tandem in the league outside of Indy, the Bengals will put on an air show in the Burg.

Brett Favre @ Chicago – If Jon Kitna can put up 3 TDs against the Bears, think of what Favre might do in prime time on Sunday night. The Bears are looking to the post season and the Packers are trying to get in. Brett put it in the air 50 times last week and he’ll so the same as he continues to chip away at Marino’s record.

Vince Young vs. New England – Say hello to the top tier of QBs my friend, you’ve proved all, ALL the haters wrong. Fresh off his offensive player of the month award, Young will take apart a New England team resting its vets on the way to the playoffs.

Chad Pennington vs. Oakland – Two things are in the Chad’s favor here: The first being that they’re fighting for their playoff lives and are having fun doing it. The second is that they’re playing the Raiders, the worst team to take the field in the history of the modern NFL. Keep a close eye on the injury statues of the Jets receiving corps before you put him ahead of a stud.

Jeff Garcia vs. Atlanta – Philly is still fighting for position in the playoffs and Atlanta has been giving up big points all season long. Look for an air show in this one with Garcia continuing to play for a title and the Eagles along for the ride. The game plan will be to stop Westbrook, so Reid could open it up and try plays out for post season.

Jon Kitna @ Dallas – After seeing what Jeff Garcia did to them, it looks like Kitna might be able to put up some points on this final day of the season. With Brady Quinn ready to head to Motown Kitna will be playing for a chance to run Martz’ offense for one more year. The Lions are a bust but Kitna puts up the points.

Jason Campbell vs. NYG – This kid is having a great second half and should keep things going in his final game against the Giants whose defense without the Gap Toothed one is in serious decline. Betts opens up the passing game, and you can see that little spark in Joe Gibbs eyes as he is looking toward next year already.

Philip Rivers vs. ARI – Rivers won’t sit down and the Cardinals can be passed on. Look for Rivers to continue his maturation process in this warm up for the playoffs. With LT getting some rest, you might see 30 throws from Rivers while Marty tinkers with the offense just a bit.

Grab A Helmet:

Jay Cutler vs. SF – The Niners just don’t have the gas to finish, and Denver at home is a tough place for a young quad to come out with a victory. Cutler will continue to toss the ball in hopes of getting his engine to run on all cylinders come playoff time. OCD Mike likes everything to be just right, so look for the rookie to get plenty of looks this week.

Steve McNair vs. BUF – Now, we know he won’t play the entire game, but he needs to get his mechanics set for the playoffs so he doesn’t come in cold and blow B - More’s chances at a ring. Look for McNair to get it into the end zone at least once, which is all you’ll need if you have a nice duo going for you at running back.

Eli Manning @ WAS – Uh, uh – well, it started good, but then he just turned into Eli. Some guys take longer to mature than others, so this week will be the truest of all tests. He’ll put it into the end zone twice but at what cost? If you’re league penalizes you for interceptions, well, that’s why he’s down here. Eli rarely gets blanked, and this is fantasy, not a post game press conference.

Trent Green vs JAX – With the Chiefs all but out of it, Trent will look to show everyone that he is still a competitive QB and should be kept around for at least one more season. Jacksonville will look to shut down LJ, which should give Green a few chances at a D that’s been exposed against the pass.

Ben Roethlisberger @ CIN – This game will be a shootout and Big Ben will try one more time to go out on a positive note for the ’06. It’s tough to repeat and this guy has been saddled with injuries all year long as the Steelers have looked for a new identity in the post-Bus era. Ben will lay the bar high for next year with a nice game this week.

Tom Brady @ TEN – Let me tell you something. Don’t sit this guy. Ever. Never. Let him play. If you’re here because of him, then have a little talk with him before the game and let him know you need to scores before he sits down for the night. Tom is the man. Always. Except of course if he doesn’t play. You might want to call the Sports Desk at the Boston Globe to double check his status.

Grab Some Pine:

Kurt Warner @ SD – This is going to be Ugly. San Diego’s defense is going to feast on the immobility of Warner this week. He’s going to look tempting, just like those fried wontons at the buffet line, but once you digest, you realize what you just ate. He might get one bomb off, but will more than likely just get crushed. Tough break Kurt.

David Carr vs. CLE – Lord help you if this is your only option. Dave, seriously, you’ve gotten more chances than – than- can you think of anyone else who has been given so much and done so little? This is the worst QB in football. He might be able to get himself a back up job in Canada after this season, and that’s only if they need someone to sell peanuts.

Matt Hasselbeck @ TB – Matt might see two series before he sits down with the rest of the vets and wonder how they’re going to get things turned around in time for the post season. He’d be higher if this wasn’t week 17.

Andrew Walter @ NYJ – Was this guy really the Raider’s second round pick? Al, it’s over, really. We love you and what you’ve done for the league, but it’s time. The 70s are over. Over!

J.P. Losman @ BAL – He’s having a great year but the Ravens are having a better one. The Bills don’t have enough weapons to slow this defensive machine down. Sit him down and thank him for everything he’s done this year.

Alex Smith @ DEN – Is he an Eli Manning clone? Up and down and all around but not the special something that makes a great QB? The loss of Antonio Bryant is clearly affecting him and you can look for that to continue against Denver this week.

Rex Grossman vs. GB – Don’t do it.

Running Backs