QBs set the pace in fantasy title games

By Ladd Biro, Special to the Rocky

Published December 22, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
Updated December 22, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.

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Photo by Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

Kurt Warner's performance Sunday -- 6-for-18 passing for 30 yards -- is an indication of what happens when teams have nothing to play for.

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Like what you saw out of Kurt Warner on Sunday? That’s what you call playing without purpose, and there’s a lot more of that headed your way in Week 17.

Now that the Colts, Giants, Steelers and Titans have solidified their postseason positions, their stars will likely join Warner and his mates on the links next week for a little R&R before the playoffs.

And that is why you should never, ever, ever hold a fantasy championship contest in the final week of the NFL season.

Which brings us back to Week 16, when quarterback play was the decisive factor in most title showdowns. Owners who pinned their hopes on Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Matt Schaub, Matt Ryan and the no-longer-in-the-fantasy-MVP-discussion Warner are probably sobbing in their corn flakes this morning.

Meanwhile, teams led by such mighty conquerors as Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Matt Cassel, Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler and even Chad Pennington may already be counting their winnings.

Aside from Sunday night’s transcendent performances by DeAngelo Williams (his second four-touchdown outing of the season) and Brandon Jacobs (who picked a perfect time to collect a career-best three TDs), Week 16 was decided by the passers. In most cases, the disparity between the haves and the have-nots was simply too great to overcome.

So if you are celebrating a hard-fought victory today, I extend my hearty congratulations.

To the also-rans, my condolences. I feel your pain.

And to those who seek championship glory next weekend, I have one word for you: Why?

Still have something to play for? Here’s a look at some players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else’s lineup for the final weekend.

Catch 'em while you can

Fred Jackson, RB, Bills: At least Marshawn Lynch had the decency to get in the end zone before leaving with a shoulder injury in the second half. That enabled Jackson to rack up 113 yards and a TD in his place. Though they will be facing a motivated Patriots squad next week, Jackson is worth picking up if you were counting on Lynch, whose status for the finale is still up in the air.

Le’Ron McClain, RB, Ravens: Inexplicably still available in more than a third of fantasy leagues (according to two leading sites), McClain will have ample opportunity to build on his breakout season against the Jags in next week’s must-win game. He had 14 more carries than Willis McGahee in the win over Dallas, and remains the Ravens’ most consistent tailback.

Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Vikings: Following a career-best performance against the Falcons, Shiancoe has quietly vaulted to top-five tight end status. Sunday’s two TDs give him seven for the season, and with several of his peers riding the pine in Week 17, he’s a solid play against a Giants team that should rest many of its defensive stars. Especially if Bernard Berrian’s ankle injury keeps him sidelined.

Don't be fooled

Matt Leinart, QB, Cardinals: There’s a good chance he’ll see plenty of action, if not start, at home against the Seahawks next week. But don’t count on Warner-like production, especially with his elite receivers also watching from the sidelines. Not to mention, he’s no Kurt Warner.

LaMont Jordan, RB, Patriots: He's a tempting free-agent target following his two-touchdown performance Sunday, the second consecutive week he has found the end zone. But he remains in a crowded backfield where both Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk see their share of touches as well. He also plays no role in the receiving game.

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