Starters and benchwarmers
Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 17.
Watch ’em roll
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins vs. Jets: Miami has nothing but pride at stake in this divisional battle, but Tannehill still has much to prove as the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future. He had a huge game last week and should stay in the groove with his wideouts against a horrid Jets secondary. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers at Falcons: Those who trusted Stewart last week were rewarded with 122 rushing yards and a late TD reception. Keep Carolina’s (current) bell cow in your lineup against an Atlanta run defense that has coughed up a leagueworst 20 rushing scores. This is a must-win game for both teams. Joique Bell, RB, Lions at Packers: Reggie Bush got the start last week because Bell violated a team rule. But once Bell got into the game in the second quarter, he resumed his lead-back duties. He presumably will keep his nose clean this week, and he’ll be leaned on heavily as a rusher and receiver in this critical game for the Lions. Greg Jennings, WR, Vikings vs. Bears: Minnesota has little to play for, but this is a divisional rivalry and Chicago’s pass defense is truly awful. Even if Jennings doesn’t play a full game, he has an excellent opportunity to notch his fifth TD reception over the final six games of the season. Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers at Falcons: The rookie hasn’t found the end zone since Week 14, but he hasn’t faced Atlanta’s overly generous secondary either. Look for another 100-plus-yard performance, with at least one TD in this allor-nothing contest.
Roll ’em back
Nearly 20 teams are either eliminated from the playoffs or have little or no incentive to play their stars in Week 17. Every one of the starters from these teams, therefore, comes with significant risk of being pulled early: 49ers, Bears, Bills, Browns, Buccaneers, Colts, Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles, Giants, Jaguars, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, Rams, Washington, Saints, Titans and Vikings. When in doubt, choose a player with an incentive to give his all.
Taking a flier
Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots vs. Bills: Predicting which back will get the lion’s share of the carries for New England is always a dicey proposition. It’s even harder to decipher when the team has nothing to play for. But here’s my expectation: The prodigal rookie Gray will get the call, while the veterans are used sparingly.