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Waiver Wire - Week 17 - Updated

December 28, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Cory J. Bonini and Nicholas Minnix
Edited by KFFL Staff

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - QUARTERBACKS

Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos - The kid came out slinging! While many debates were abound in regards to the switch to Cutler being a smart decision or not, one thing is for certain, and that is his ability to put the ball into the air. Over the past four weeks, the Vanderbilt product has averaged two touchdown passes with 193 passing yards per game. If you league penalizes for turnovers, Cutler has only thrown one interception per game, and he has lost a total of two fumbles in the last month. That's basically any given third quarter for Brett Favre! Not that it matters much to fantasy owners, but Cutler is wise beyond his years, taking 2.8 sacks per game. Why is this important? It shows his decision-making ability is savvy. Not forcing the ball into coverage results in coverage sacks, and he is well aware of this. The porous San Francisco 49ers are on the docket for Week 17. Cutler has the luxury of playing against this unit allowing 242 passing yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game. They have only picked off two passes in the last four games (0.5 per game) and have sacked opposing quarterbacks 1.8 times per tilt. Cutler is available in 36 percent of leagues polled.

Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia Eagles - Twice a castoff, once from the Cleveland Browns and once from the Detroit Lions, Garcia has found his home in "The City of Brotherly Love." Philly's West Coast offense perfectly suits Garcia and is very, very similar to what he ran to near perfection during his heyday in San Francisco. With 10 touchdowns and two interceptions since taking over, it is no wonder the Eagles are storming into the playoffs. From a fantasy standpoint, Garcia is averaging 238 passing yards, 1.8 touchdowns and just 0.5 interceptions per game. He has lost only one fumble in the past month, showing he is protecting the rock. Garcia has a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. The Falcons have allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 183 passing yards and one touchdown per game in the past month. They have picked off 0.8 passes per game while registering two sacks per contest. These numbers don't look great, but don't be fooled. When you have a run defense as poor as the Falcons do, your passing defense looks great on paper. Just ask the Indianapolis Colts! Garcia is available in 35 percent of leagues polled.

NEW - Tim Rattay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - This late in the season, there's no way you envisioned yourself using Rattay. If you start two quarterbacks or really need a substitute to come through for you, though, he might be your guy. Rattay took the starting job from Bruce Gradkowski last week and has performed well. In his last three games he has thrown for 188 yards, one touchdown and 0.67 interceptions per game. Don't be fooled, though; Rattay has played in relief in two of those contests. Two weeks ago against the Chicago Bears he relieved Gradkowski, coming in to pass for 268 yards, three touchdowns and one pick. Rattay is the kind of sneaky play that could help you bring home the hardware. Since Week 17 the Seattle Seahawks have given up 178 yards, two touchdowns and 0.8 interceptions per game to quarterbacks. Rattay gets Seattle in Week 17, and he could serve as a low-end No. 1 or injury sub. He is available in 90 percent of leagues polled.

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - RUNNING BACKS

Ron Dayne, Houston Texans - How much more evidence do you need? This guy has come through in a big way for fantasy footballers during the playoffs. Since Week 7 he has rushed for 107 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game. In Week 17 he faces the Cleveland Browns, who have one of the worst run defenses in the league. In the past four weeks, Cleveland has allowed 178 rushing yards, 31 receiving yards and one total touchdown to the running back position. Dayne is still there for some owner who plays in Week 17. Don't let him sit there any longer. He is available in 47 percent of leagues polled.

Michael Pittman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs downgraded running back Carnell Williams (ankle) to doubtful at the end of the week, then declared him out a day later. His prospects for Week 17 don't look to great, either. Pittman's do, however. Sunday, as the starter, Pittman carried 16 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. He tacked on four catches for 21 yards. The team had used him effectively this season as a receiver; he averaged 5.5 receptions and 52 yards per game in the past two contests. The Seattle Seahawks have allowed 155 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards and 0.5 total touchdowns to backs in the last four weeks. Pittman is a solid add at this point in the season, with the Cadillac possibly garaged for the final game. Pittman is available in 86 percent of leagues polled.

Mike Alstott, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Alstott benefits from the potential absence of Williams as well. The burly fullback led the team in utilizations in Week 16 (23 to Pittman's 21) while racking up 56 yards on 22 carries. If Tampa gets in the red zone, especially near the goal line, expect them to go to Alstott - he had five utilizations inside the 20 in Week 16. The Bucs have no reason to risk the long-term health of the Cadillac, so look to acquire Alstott as a potential play in Week 17 versus the Seahawks. They have given up 173 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns to the position in the past four games. He is available in 94 percent of leagues polled.

Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles have done a fantastic job at balancing their attack, which is one reason for their rise to the top of the NFC East. Buckhalter has helped; in the past four weeks, he has tallied 39 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game. If you need a back in a deep league, look his way. The Atlanta Falcons have given up 172 total yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game to the running back position since Week 13. That's who Buckhalter faces in the final game of the season. He is available in 67 percent of leagues polled.

Michael Turner, San Diego Chargers - San Diego hasn't locked up home-field advantage yet, but with a game versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, look for the Chargers to jump out to an early lead. If they do, look for Turner to chew up some time - and yardage - while likely NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson rests. In the past two contests Turner has rushed 5.5 times per game for 44 yards per game. One can only imagine what Turner can do against Arizona with more touches. That team has only allowed running backs to tally 84 rushing yards, 24 receiving yards and one touchdowns per game since Week 13. You might consider it a gamble to ride a backup. Consider it a calculated risk, with upside. Turner is available in 38 percent of leagues polled.

NEW - Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders - If you haven't noticed, first-round bust LaMont Jordan (knee) is out for the count (or at least Week 17). Fargas has been the main man in Oakland. He has averaged 55 yards rushing and seven yards receiving in his last four games. Against the Kansas City Chiefs this past Saturday, he ran 19 times for 90 yards and caught two balls for seven yards. The New York Jets stand in Fargas' way in Week 17. To running backs they have given up 112 yards rushing, 62 yards receiving and 0.5 touchdowns per game in the past four weeks. Fargas hasn't been able to find the end zone anyway, but he has the chance to be a yardage hog this week, which makes him a solid No. 3 option. Fargas is available in 64 percent of leagues polled.

NEW - Arlen Harris, Detroit Lions - With running back Kevin Jones (foot) out the rest of this season and perhaps some of 2007, Harris is the lead Lion. He has averaged 31 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards per game in his past two contests, since Jones went down for good. With a matchup against the suddenly porous Dallas Cowboys, Harris could be a surprise option in Week 17. Since Week 13 Dallas has allowed backs to average 128 yards and 0.5 touchdowns rushing. What makes Harris even more attractive is that backs have also averaged 89 yards and 1.3 touchdowns receiving against the Cowboys in that time. Harris is a great upside play as your No. 3 back. He is still available in 78 percent of leagues polled.

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - WIDE RECEIVERS

Ronald Curry, Oakland Raiders - Somebody on the Raiders is finally getting it done. Wideout Randy Moss (ankle) is hurting right now, and Oakland has had no one step up. Curry had 11 receptions for 106 yards Sunday. Since Week 14, the week that Moss was hurt, he has averaged 9.33 receptions, 94 yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. His matchup versus the New York Jets is not ideal, but he can overcome it. The Jets have allowed receivers to average 7.8 receptions, 109 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game. Curry makes a solid pickup for Week 17, and he's available in 92 percent of leagues polled.

D.J. Hackett, Seattle Seahawks - Wide receiver Darrell Jackson (toe) has missed the past two games for the Seahawks, and things aren't looking good for Week 17, either. That leaves Hackett as the most intriguing target in Seattle right now. Since Week 13 he has averaged 3.3 catches, 61 yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you may want to temper your expectations. That team has allowed receivers to average 8.3 catches, 109 yards and zero touchdowns in the past four weeks. This team had trouble stopping the aerial assault before, though, so Hackett isn't a lost cause in deeper leagues. He is available in 76 percent of leagues polled.

NEW - Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos - The Broncos have young buck Jay Cutler at quarterback now; and the kid has thrown for two touchdowns in all four of his starts. Marshall has been the recipient on one of the eight touchdown passes. In the past four weeks he has averaged three catches, 53 yards and 0.3 touchdowns. The rookie fourth rounder may have some chemistry with Cutler. He may get to continue it in Week 17. The San Francisco 49ers has allowed receivers to average 12 receptions, 164 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game. Marshall faces them this week, so he could be a nice No. 3 fantasy wideout. He is available in 98 percent of leagues polled.

NEW - Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - With quarterback Tim Rattay starting, the Bucs could actually have a respectable offense. Hilliard has become a starter with the loss of wideout Michael Clayton (knee). Since Week 14, Hilliard has averaged 3.67 receptions, 51 yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. With a matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks, that production could go up. In the past four weeks, Seattle has yielded eight receptions, 130 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game to wideouts. Hilliard is a nice subtle option as a No. 3 fantasy receiver. He's available in 100 percent of leagues polled.

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - TIGHT ENDS

Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers - Davis has put up some solid fantasy points since returning from a fractured fibula in Week 11. In the past four weeks he has averaged 2.8 receptions for 50 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game. This year's sixth overall selection and quarterback Alex D. Smith could be forging a foundation for a relationship that might be productive for years to come. Look to add Davis, who plays against the Washington Redskins this week, if you need help at tight end. He is available in 49 percent of leagues polled.

Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos - In his past four games, Scheffler has scored three times while averaging 2.3 receptions for 41 receiving yards per game. He has been the recipient of 4.5 targets per game (7.0 percent) with 0.5 plays per game coming inside the red zone (4.9 percent). One of those plays occurred inside of the 5-yard line, which shows quarterback Jay Cutler is looking for him when it counts. As the rookie tight end gains familiarity in the offense, you can count on the team looking to rely on him heavily. The position is one that used to be a staple in the Broncos' scheme, a la Shannon Sharpe. Scheffler is currently available in 89 percent of leagues polled.

Jerramy Stevens, Seattle Seahawks - With an outstanding matchup in Week 17, and a chance to be more involved in the offense if wide receiver Darrell Jackson (toe) remains sidelined, Stevens should be given consideration as your starter this week. The beneficiary of 5.5 targets per game (8.3 percent), Stevens has only received 0.3 targets per contest inside of the red zone (5.3 percent). He has averaged 2.5 receptions for 27 receiving yards and 0.3 touchdowns per outing during the past month of play. Available in 56 percent of leagues polled, look for this Seahawk to provide for a strong play in Week 17.

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - PLACE KICKERS

Shaun Suisham, Washington Redskins - In the past four games, Suisham has converted 88.9 percent of his field goal tries. Going 8-for-9 in his last four games, Suisham has converted an average of two field goals of his 2.3 attempts per game in the past month. He has nailed all eight of his extra point tries (two per game) over this time, averaging eight actual kicking points per outing. His opponent, the New York Giants, have allowed 2.5 extra point attempts (10-for-10) and 2.8 field goal attempts (8-for-11) per game to enemy place kickers. Available in 98 percent of leagues polled, feel confident starting him in your Week 17 matchup.

NEW - Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots - Gostkowski was a trendy draftee because he was assuming Adam Vinatieri's (Indianapolis Colts) old role. Inaccuracy plagued the rookie place kicker, though, forcing many owners to jettison him. In the past four weeks, though, Gostkowski has hit 2.3 extra points (9-for-9) and 1.8 field goals (7-for-8) per game. That has given him 7.5 points per game in that time. The Tennessee Titans have been giving up the chances lately, too. Since Week 13 they have allowed two extra point attempts (8-for-8) and 2.5 field goal attempts (9-for-10) per game. Place kickers have averaged 8.8 points per game in that time. Gostkowski is available in 74 percent of leagues polled, so consider using him as your No. 1 kicker in Week 17.

ONE-WEEK PLAYS - DEFENSIVE TEAMS

Oakland Raiders - The Raiders have been playing solid football defensively this season, which is quite the contrary of what we can say about their offense. The "Silver and Black" defense has recorded one interception, 2.8 sacks, 0.8 fumble recoveries and 0.3 defensive touchdowns per game in the past month of play (four games). The team is giving up 296 total yards of offense, which is mediocre. Allowing 21 offensive points per game, they are not the greatest unit to choose from in that regard, but they are serviceable. The New York Jets are the opponents of choice this week. Allowing 1.8 sacks and two turnovers per game (1.3 interceptions versus 0.8 fumbles lost), Oakland has a pretty favorable matchup on their hands. Besides, playing spoiler to the Jets' postseason dreams could be added motivation to succeed. Available in 69 percent of leagues polled, pick up the Raiders as your fantasy defense for Week 17 if you are in need of a one-week play.

NEW - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - With an offense that can stay on the field, this defense has a prayer to stay fresh - and perhaps put up fantasy points. In the past four weeks Tampa has allowed 17 offensive points per game. They have also recorded 1.5 interceptions, 0.3 fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks and 0.3 defensive touchdowns per game. In the last two weeks, with 18 offensive points allowed per game, they have recorded two interceptions, 0.5 fumble recoveries and 3.5 sacks per game. A matchup with the Seattle Seahawks could be the time to pick up this once great fantasy defense. Since Week 13 Seattle has scored 16 offensive points per game while giving up 4.5 sacks and two interceptions per game to defenses. Consider Tampa Bay as a sleeper No. 1 defense this week. The Bucs are available in 64 percent of leagues polled.

Author Bio

Cory J. Bonini

Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.

Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.

Follow him on Twitter @CoryKFFL