I continue to breakdown the Rookie Class of 2009 from a fantasy prospective...

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Fantasy Rookie Podcast | First Take (QB/RB)

WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree (SF) - When he slipped past the Raiders I was thinking he caught a break from a fantasy standpoint. However, landing in San Francisco without a quarterback and in an offense that under Mike Singletary and Jimmy Raye is likely to be a run-heavy, ball-control team didn't help his cause. The top talent hands down, but he slides down my list a bit.

Jeremy Maclin (PHI) - My favorite mix of talent and opportunity of any receiver in the draft. Maclin has the ability to makes plays and will be a nice fit opposite of last year's rookie wideout DeSean Jackson in Philly. Donovan McNabb will be chomping at the bit to get Maclin in his line-up and owners will be too soon enough.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK) - I still am tyring to figure out what in the world Al Davis was smoking on draft day, but that is another blog post altogether. Heyward-Bey has explosiveness and the ability to make plays. His success will depend greatly on JeMarcus Russell and the QB situation in Oakland. I am going to stay clear of any Raiders' wideouts for now.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) - With Plaxico Burress officially done as a Giant, Nicks will be asked to step into the mix right off the bat. He has the potential to be a solid a WR3 or WR4 for fantasy owners long-term, but I just don't see it happening very quickly, making him better as a long-term option.

Percy Harvin (MIN) - The former Gator is a high-risk, high-reward type of player. The Vikings' quarterback situation is a mess, but I still expect Harvin to enjoy some success right out of the gate. He is going to turn in some huge games and some duds too as consistency will be what holds his fantasy value down.

Juaquin Iglesias (CHI) - With Jay Cutler now in Chicago the team needs to build a solid stable of receivers. Iglesias is a nice start and will have a chance to earn playing time right off the bat. If he can work his way into the Bears' starting lineup early on he has the potential to be the biggest sleeper pick of the bunch.

TIGHT END
Brandon Pettigrew (DET) - Easily the most talented of the tight ends in the draft. If there was any questions surrounding him it would be the fact he plays for the Lions and has history of character issues. Still, he should produce good enough to be a fantasy factor right off the bat.

Chase Coffman (CIN) - He is the Division I record holder for career receptions by a tight end and will be a natural fit in the Bengals' passing attack sans T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Coffman will quickly become a favorite target of Carson Palmer, particularly in the red zone.

Richard Quinn (DEN) - Quinn fits more of the "blocking tight end" bill and finds himself in a cluttered depth chart in Denver. He could surprise early in fantasy football if he ensures a bigger role. His value is higher in keeper leagues though as he likely will go undrafted in most year-to-year formats.

Jared Cook (TEN) - The "tweener" is a nice fit for the Titans' scheme and should get playing time immediately. Tight ends have generally favored well in the Titans over the past decade plus. If he can unseat the aging veteran Alge Crumpler, Cook could produced quick dividends.

IDP ROOKIE RANKINGS
1. DT B.J. Raji (GB)
2. LB Aaron Curry (SEA)
3. LB James Laurinaitis (STL)
4. DE Brian Orakpo (WAS)
5. LB Brian Cushing (HOU)
6. S Patrick Chung (NE)
7. LB Clay Matthews (GB)
8. LB Ray Muauluga (CIN)
9. DE Aaron Maybin (BUF)
10. S Louis Delmas (DET)
11. DE Everett Brown (CAR)
12. LB Clint Sintim (NYG)

Fantasy Football bears, 49ers, eagles, raiders, giants, vikings, lions, bengals, broncos, titans, packers, seahawks, rams, redksins, texans, patriots, bills, panthers, michael crabtree, jeremy maclin, darrius heyward-bey, hakeem nicks, percy harvin, brandon pettigrew, chase coffman, richard quinn, jared cook, b.j. raji, aaron curry, james laurinaitis, brian orakpo, brian cushing, patrick chung, clay matthews, ray muauluga, aaron maybin, louis delmas, everett brown, clint sintim, juaquin iglesias

Let's check out some of the latest headlines from around pro football:

LEFTWICH SIGNS WITH BUCS (Tampa Tribune)
The team is expected to announce today the signing of free agent Byron Leftwich, whose weekend decision to accept a two-year contract was based on a guarantee he'll be given a chance to compete for the starter's job. Many believe that job will ultimately go to sixth-year pro Luke McCown, but the Bucs have made no secret of their desire to add an experienced veteran to at least push McCown for that job...MORE

BROWNS: EDWARDS, QUINN ON BLOCK (The National Post)
The Cleveland Browns have been engaging in talks to trade quarterback Brady Quinn and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The website reports that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for Quinn, but may be looking for more.  Two teams are currently interested in Quinn’s services. In addition, there is speculation that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for wide receiver Braylon Edwards and will most likely trade him before the start of next season...MORE

BILLS' WHITNER ARRESTED (ESPN.com)
Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested in downtown Cleveland early Saturday morning after police tried to break up a "near riot" in front of the House of Blues. Police used a Taser to subdue Whitner, who was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Whitner was released from his holding cell Saturday afternoon. Police Lt. Thomas Stacho said charges have not been filed...MORE

CHIEFS ADD THOMAS (Kansas City Star)
The Chiefs added another part to their defense Saturday when they agreed to contract terms with veteran linebacker Zach Thomas. Thomas turns 36 in September, but he has made seven trips to the Pro Bowl in his 13 NFL seasons. He started 14 games last year in his first season with Dallas after 12 years with the Dolphins...MORE

BURRESS LIKELY TO MISS 2009 (SI.com)
Peter King, who has been covering the NFL for two decades, was firm in his belief that free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress will not play in the NFL in 2009. Burress is still battling an uphill battle with the legal system after charges filed following him shooting himself in the foot in a club late last season. The Giants cut Burress last month and at this point he's a free agent...MORE

NFL bucs, byron leftwich, browns, braylon edwards, brady quinn, bills, donte whitner, chiefs, zach thomas, giants, plaxico burress

Let’s wrap-up our predictions with the National League West. The division offers a garden variety of teams with World Series aspirations to those entering heavy rebuilding modes. Without further ado, here’s how I see things unfolding.

ORDER OF FINISH
Dodgers – Joe Torre’s first season in Hollywood took off once he landed his headline star in Manny Ramirez. The two are together again in LA this season and the supporting cast is outstanding. Russell Martin gives the Dodgers one of the best offensive producing backstops in the game. Young outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are ready to deliver on their promise. The team added second baseman Orlando Hudson and re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to shore up the middle. The rotation has upside, but lacks a proven No. 1. However, Chad Billingsley is poised to be that guy and it might come as soon as this season. Jonathan Broxton will nail it down in the ninth as good as anybody in the division and the setup depth in unmatched.

Diamondbacks – The front of the rotation makes the D-Backs automatic contenders in this competitive division. Brandon Webb and Danny Haren could easily combine to win 36-40 games and pitch 200 innings. The 3-4-5 spots will contribute as well, especially young phenom Max Scherzer. The line-up has some pop and upside, but also is a bit unproven. The raw power of outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young is a hidden gem. Conor Jackson is a nice bat in the middle of the order and is a versatile contributor. The bullpen is the reason I pick them to be also rans as Chad Qualls and Tony Pena Jr are expected to battle for the closer’s role.

Giants – The Giants have the best arm in the division in starter Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain is another young arm to be excited about and will be the team’s No. 2 starter. If veterans Randy Johnson and Barry Zito deliver on some of their former promise, the Giants will stay in this race. Brian Wilson is adequate at closer and the bullpen in general is above average. The line-up has a few too many what-ifs for my liking though. Youngster Pablo Sandoval needs to succeed for the offense to click. Veteran Edgar Renteria was the biggest off-season acquisition and his ceiling is limited.

Rockies – The Rockies simply don’t have the horses to run with the top three teams. Two years removed from the World Series, Colorado has too many holes to count. Brad Hawpe is solid in the outfield, but with Matt Holliday departing he’s going to be hard-pressed to take his game up another notch. Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton are on the decline. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has nice potential. Many young player will be counted on to deliver, one expect to live up to the hype is five-tool outfielder Dexter Fowler. The rotation is a huge question mark once again, although I am pretty high on Ubaldo Jimenez and expect him to open many people’s eyes around the league in ‘09.

Padres – The Padres have already trimmed a ton of payroll this off-season and next likely to go is ace Jake Peavy. The team is going to a heavy rebuilding period and ready to take a hit for a year or two if they need to do so. Peavy and Chris Young are solid frontline guys, but the rest of the rotation and much of the bullpen is unproven. Adrian Gonzalez is the most underrated hitter in the division, but he too could be dealt at some point this year. A safe bet for last place this season.

AWARDS
MVP – Manny Ramirez (LA)

Cy Young Candidate – Tim Lincecum (SF)

Biggest Bust – Garrett Atkins (COL)

Biggest Breakout – Andre Ethier (LA)

Comeback Player – Randy Johnson (SF)

Rookie of Year – Dexter Fowler (COL)

MLB 2009 mlb predictions, nl west, dodgers, diamondbacks, giants, rockies, padres

Here are some of the latest headlines from around the MLB Hot Stove to heat you up:

DODGERS STILL WAITING FOR MANNY (ESPN.com)
The Dodgers made a $45 million offer to Ramirez in November and then withdrew it when Boras did not respond, and then the Dodgers made an offer of arbitration, and again, Boras did not respond, according to L.A. officials. So the Dodgers have sat back and waited for any other serious bidder for Ramirez to emerge, waited to see if there was any reason to extend their own offer...MORE

VARITEK STAYING IN BOSTON (Boston Globe)
The captain is not going anywhere. Ending a three-month saga hours before a team-imposed deadline, the Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek agreed to a one-year contract with a team option for 2010, two sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed yesterday. Varitek, who turns 37 in April, will receive $5 million in 2009. The Sox hold a $5 million option for 2010...MORE

SHEETS RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS (MLB.com)
Ben Sheets and the Brewers have not spoken since the Brewers asked whether Sheets would consider an incentive-based contract similar to John Smoltz's ($4.5MM in incentives) or Brad Penny's ($3MM in incentives). It appears that Sheets was not open to an similar offer, but the Brewers won't offer a multi-year deal. GM Doug Melvin maintains the club isn't likely to sign Sheets, but he hasn't completely ruled out the possibility...MORE

CUBS SHOPPING HILL (Baltimore Sun)
The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about Cubs left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the teams have had talks about Hill, a one-time top prospect who is struggling to regain his command. Tne industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named, who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore...MORE

IT'S OFFICIAL, CUBS ADD BAKO (Cubs.com)
The Cubs signed catcher Paul Bako, who had been with the Reds, to a one-year, $725,000 contract. The deal was done a month ago, but Bako had to wait for the Cubs to open a roster spot before it was made official. Bako was no longer a fit for Cincinnati with the emergence of Ryan Hanigan and following the trade for veteran Ramon Hernandez...MORE

FOGG LANDS IN COLORADO (ColoradoRockies.com)
Rockies signed RHP Josh Fogg to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. With Jeff Francis potentially starting the year on the DL, there could be room for Fogg at the back of the rotation. Fogg, 32, went 10-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 2007 and won several matchups with big-name pitchers. Fogg signed with the Reds last season and went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts...MORE

MLB dodgers, giants, manny ramirez, red sox, jason varitek, brewers, ben sheets, cubs, ken hill, paul bako, rockies, josh fogg

The NFL Network is reporting that Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams have agreed on a four-year contract worth $11.5 million. I was unable to independently verify this information and have no idea if it's accurate.

Spagnuolo, 49, was the Giants defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and came up with the game plan that resulted in five sacks of Tom Brady and a shocking upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Before that, Spagnuolo learned his trade under acclaimed Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, working as an Eagles defensive assistant from 1999-2006. Spagnuolo came out of the Philadelphia experience with a variety of multiple defensive formations and blitz packages that he put to great use with the Giants.

It was reported earlier this week that former Bengals and current Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier would be the front-runner for the job, but in the end it is Spagnuolo that gets the nod.

In New York, news of Spagnuolo's depart was met with regret.

"It's a Rams Shame ... for Giants as Spags Bolts for St. Loo"

That was a headline on the back page in a Sunday edition of the New York Post. Spagnuolo was pictured with huge Rams horns superimposed on his head.

NFL rams, giants, steve spagnuolo, leslie frazier

from MLBTradeRumors.com:

Buster Olney reports that Scott Boras seems to be taking the same approach with Manny Ramirez as he did with Derek Lowe; that is, to wait.

Olney says "Camp Manny" is "waiting for some other team to be tempted by what Ramirez could do for them, waiting for an offer larger than that made by the Dodgers to develop."

The Dodgers are waiting as well. Olney reports they are not likely to increase their offer of 2 years, $45MM that was offered and promptly ignored in November. Also waiting for something to happen are Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn. Should Manny wind up on the Giants, Abreu and Dunn may find themselves with leverage to negotiate with the Dodgers. Olney writes, "And given that Dunn and Abreu know that they can find homes at any time for one-year deals, there really is no downside for them to see how the Ramirez situation plays out."

MLB dodgers, giants, manny ramirez, adam dunn, bobby abreu

The conference championship games are set, but before we turn the page to next week's big showdown, I had to sound off on some final takes from the divisional rounds...

*The Ravens continued to live up to the hype I've been giving them, but the Titans really shot themselves in the foot. They can blame the refs all they want about the blown call on a blatant delay of game, yet they still can not deny the fact that despite 391 total yards of offense costly turnovers and penalaties sealed their fate. It's amazing that the Titans kept it as close as they did even though they turned the ball over three times to the Ravens' zero.

*Joe Flacco once again did enough to help his team won the game. Another game without a pick or a sack. Consider that the Ravens managed just 50 yards rushing and the rookie's 161 passing yards seem pretty impressive.

*The game could have been a different story had Chris Johnson not suffered an ankle injury midway through the second quarter. He left the game with 72 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.  The Ravens were struggling to find an answer for the rookie.

*I still can't get over the thumping Arizona handed Carolina. The Panthers had two weeks to prepare, were 8-0 at home, and a double-digit favorite. Take nothing away from Arizona, but that is the biggest egg laid by a higher-seeded team in this round in recent memory. 

*Larry Fitzgerald continues to show me that he is the best receiver in football and right now the Cardinals look smart for giving him the money they deserved. He accounted for 75% of the team's 220 receiving yards, finishing with 8 receptions for 166 yards and a TD.

*The Eagles beat the Giants for the second time this season in their house. New York did not look like Super Bowl champs today and really have not looked as good since troubled wideout Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg and shot the Giants' chances for a repeat.

*Andy Reid outcoached Tom Coughlin on Sunday and it started with the coin flip. Coughlin opted not play the wind game and took the ball right off the bat. It didn't seem bad when Ahmad Bradshaw ran his longest return of the season back. However, Eli Manning couldn't get on track throwing into the fierce breezes early in the game and it was even worse in the fourth quarter when the team was forced to come from two scores down.

*Brian Westbrook was not a factor in this game. He had 20 touches, yet he only mustered 46 total yards and did not score. The Giants owned him, but they couldn't translate that into a victory.

*It figures Willie Parker finally gets healthy after my fantasy season is over. Two touchdowns and 146 yards on the ground shows that Fast Willie is finally nearing 100%.

*Pittsburgh officially has the best homefield advantage in football.

*Phillip Rivers' season may be over, but it wasn't because of his play. He finished with 308 yards and three scoring strikes against a very good secondary and while under intense pressure. Rivers has arrived as one of the league's elite passers.

*As a Bengals' fan I hate the Steelers and Ravens. Stil, I was rooting for both this weekend. Sure, money had something to do with (bet on both). I would rather have our division do good than have it look like chumps. Clearly, these our the two best defenses in the league and now they meet next Sunday for a third time this year.

NFL nfl playoffs, cardinals, panthers, ravens, titans, eagles, giants, steelers, chargers, joe flacco, chris johnson, larry fitzgerald, tom coughlin, ahmad bradshaw, eli manning, brian westbrook, willie parker, phillip rivers

Let's check out some of the latest Hot Stove rumors and moves:

BREWERS GET CLOSER (Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel)
The Brewers have agreed to terms with free agent Trevor Hoffman on a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal carries $1.5 million in incentives, but it does not carry an option for 2010. Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, posted a 3.77 ERA last season while closing out 30 games in 34 opportunities. This is a win-win move for the veteran who could still cash in next year with a good effort and for the Brew Crew, who struggled after losing Francisco Cordero last off-season...MORE

MANNY LIKELY TO GET THREE-YEAR DEAL (SI.com)
The Giants "look like a major threat" to the Dodgers for Manny Ramirez and are "making a serious run at him." Former teammate J.T. Snow apparently raved about him. Nonetheless Heyman says the Dodgers are "probably still considered the favorite." Heyman lists the Rangers as "intrigued." He believes Ramirez will get three guaranteed years somewhere. The Giants are in excellent position to outbid the cautious Dodgers if so inclined. San Francisco has an excellent TV situation and has now paid off more than half its debt on its beautiful franchise-owned AT&T Park...MORE

RED SOX SIGN SMOLTZ, PENNY, AND BALDELLI (Boston Herald)
The Yankees may be spending the big buck, but the Red Sox are going bargain shopping in this slow baseball economy.  With the signing of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, and deals with starters Brad Penny and John Smoltz, as well as first baseman-outfielder Mark Kotsay close to being finalized, the Red Sox' offseason kicked into another gear yesterday. Considering the Yankees already entered hyperspace with three high-profile signings at the end of last year, the Red Sox’ non-splashy entry, with catching still on the docket, puts the three-way American League East battle in 2009 with the Yankees and Rays into better focus...MORE

GIAMBI RETURNS TO OAKLAND (Oakland Tribune)
Athletics signed first baseman Jason Giambi, who had been with the Yankees, to a one-year, $5.25 million contract with a club option for 2010. Giambi, who already received a $5 million buyout from the Yankees, will make $4 million this season. The option for 2010 is worth $6.5 million and includes a $1.25 million buytout.  Giambi batted .247 with 32 home runs and 96 RBI in 145 games with New York last year, reaching the 30-homer plateau for the eighth time in his career. He tied for eighth in the American League in home runs and was second in at bats per home run (14.3) and at bats per RBI (4.8)...MORE

YANKEES READY TO DEAL OUTFIELDER? (FoxSports.com)
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that the Yankees would prefer to trade Xavier Nady rather than Nick Swisher for three reasons, according to a rival executive. Swisher is A) under control for four years and Nady only one, B) a switch-hitter while Nady is right-handed and C) a more versatile defender, playing all three outfield positions and first base. Nady does not play center...MORE

METS ADD A STARTER (ESPN.com)
The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract Friday with free-agent starter Tim Redding, a baseball official told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. He must pass a physical before the deal will be official. Redding, 30, posted a 10-11 record with a 4.95 ERA in 182 innings covering 33 starts with Washington last season. The right-hander has a career record of 34-51 in seven seasons with Houston, San Diego, the Yankees and Nationals...MORE

MLB brewers, trevor hoffman, giants, dodgers, rangers, manny ramirez, red sox, john smoltz, brad penny, rocco baldelli, a's, jason giambi, yankees, xavier nady, nick swisher, mets, tim redding

Man each week the NFL season draws closer to an end, and each week the depression kicks in a little more. Still, there are some great games on tap this weekend and I am going to try to enjoy them to the fullest. Let's take a look each game as I tell you how I see things unfolding and give you my picks.

BALTIMORE (12-5) at TENNESSEE (13-3) - Titans favored by 3
Outlook: The Titans won the Week 5 meeting 13-10 in Baltimore and this one promises to be another slugfest. Baltimore comes into the game off an impressive opening-round victory and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. In the Week 5 meeting the Ravens controlled the clock and limited Tennessee to 47 yards rushing. Tennessee will need more effective running the ball this time around. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco threw two picks in the first meeting, but hasn't been turning the ball over as much of late. The two teams are extremely similar statisically in PaYd per game, RuYd per game, points scored, points allowed, give-aways, and take-aways. The game could easily come down to which team can put points on the board with their defense of special teams.

My Pick: Ravens 20, Titans 16...The one underdog I like to win straight up this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Chris Johnson, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas, Matt Stover, Ravens DEF, Titans DEF; DON'T PLAY - Joe Flacco, Kerry Collins, LenDale White, Any Titans' WR, Todd Heap.

ARIZONA (10-7) at CAROLINA (12-4) - Panthers favored by 10
Outlook: Talk about two teams that are completely different, the Cardinals and Panthers have gotten to this point in completely different manners. The Panthers have a top-notched running game and an above average defense. The Cardinals boast the league's most prolific passing attack, but struggle to move the ball on the ground and has played inconsistent this year on defense. The game is in Carolina and that could be the difference. Arizona is just 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the desert and and the Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Kurt Warner has passed for twice as many TD's as Jake Delhomme (30:15), but Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower collectively were nearly outproduced by the Panthers' No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart on the ground (913 yards to 836 yards). DeAngelo Williams finished thrid in the NFL in rushing with 1515 yards.

My Pick: Carolina 31, Arizona 20...The Cards will have some success on offense, but will not be able to stop the run this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, DeAngelo Williams, Edgerrin James, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin (game-time decision), Mushin Muhammad, John Kasay, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Tim Hightower, Stephen Spach, Donte Rosario, Panthers DEF, Cardinals DEF.

PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NY GIANTS (13-3) - Giants favored by 4.5
Outlook: I am still trying to figure out the Eagles even got this point. It wasn't too long ago I went and watched them tie the Bengals. Much has happened since then and the Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games to get to this point. The Giants are the defending champs and come into the game well rested. While the Eagles finished the season red hot, the Giants were a bit sluggish down the stretch as they dealt with problems on and off the field. The two teams split in their head-to-head match-ups with Philly, winning 20-14 in Week 14 at the Meadowlands. Eli Manning has looked rough down the stretch (only averaging 153 PaYd per game w/out Plaxico). The G-Men will enjoy a healthy return of Brandon Jacobs.

My Pick: Giants 20, Eagles 14...the rubber match should be a good one, but I still like the champs coming off two weeks of rest.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, Eagles DEF, David Akers, John Carney; DON'T PLAY - Eli Manning, Correll Buckhalter, Amani Toomer, Giants DEF.

SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6
Outlook: A little over a month ago I pegged the Chargers as the most overrated team and declared Norv Turner one of the worst coaches in the league. It's amazing what five straight wins can do for job somebody's job security. Behind the Pro Bowl caliber play of Phillip Rivers and the speedy Darren Sproles San Diego has caught a bolt of lightning. Pittsburgh's defense is as good as ever and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to find ways to win. The Steelers' ground attack has been disappointing, but it hasn't matter much as they've continue to beat good team after good team. They have the best homefield advantage of any team in the playoffs and that could make the difference here. San Diego lost at Pittsburhg in Week 11 in the first 11-10 game in NFL history.

My Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Chargers 14...as much as I hate them the Steelers are my Super Bowl pick right now and I am sticking with it!

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, Steelers; DON'T PLAY - Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles (fear the Steelers' D), LaDainian Tomlinson (hurt), Chris Chambers, Chargers DEF, Nate Kaeding, Jeff Reed.

Fantasy Football, NFL nfl playoffs, ravens, titans, cardinals, panthers, eagles, giants, chargers, steelers, chris johnson, leron mcclain, derrick mason, bo scaife, rob bironas, matt stover, ravens def, titans def, joe flacco, kerry collins, lendale white, todd heap, jake delhomme, kurt warner, deangelo williams, edgerrin james, jonathan stewart, steve smith, larry fitzgerald, steve breaston, anquan boldin, mushin muhammad, john kasay, neil rackers, tim hightowerstephen spach, donte rosario, panthers def, cardinals def, donovan mcnabb, brian westbrook, brandon jacobs, derrick ward, desean jackson, kevin curtis, domenik hixon, kevin boss, brent celek, eagles def, david akers, john carney, eli manning, correll buckhalter, amani toomer, giants def, ben roethlisberger, willie parker, hines ward, santonio holmes, vincent jackson, antonio gates, heath miller, steelers, phillip rivers, darren sproles, ladainian tomlinson, chris chambers, chargers def, nate kaeding, jeff reed

Gregg Rosenthal of Rotoworld.com looks at some potential sitting stars in Week 17:

Giants: It's uncertain how they will handle it. My guess is they will play it halfway. Sit injured guys (Brandon Jacobs), and play most of their starters for most of the game. Iffy plays though.

Colts: As always, steer clear of your Colts in Week 17 with nothing on the line. Maybe they play a series, maybe a quarter, maybe a half. It's too risky.

Steelers: It's uncertain what they will do, but I'm guessing they will sit their players after they get a lead. I wouldn't use my Steelers at all. Gary Russell could be the next Willie Parker: breaking out in Week 17 while playing with reserves.

Ravens: They could potentially rest players if the Patriots lose at 1PM to the Bills. That's unlikely.

Cardinals: They need to bounce back. Play your Cardinals with confidence against Seattle.

Titans: Vince Young will play at some point. It's uncertain how long starters will remain in, but I'd stay away from Chris Johnson. We'll update our player news all week for all the playing time developments.

Fantasy Football week 17, giants, colts, steelers, ravens, cardinals, titans, brandon jacobs, gary russell, willie parker, vince young, chris johnson