FantasyTurnUp.Com Week 17 NFL Daily Fantasy Analysis

FantasyTurnUp.Com

Keys to Daily Fantasy success for week 17 of the NFL:

Key 1: Pay attention to the Over/Under lines since they predict most/least touchdowns:

Week 17 NFL Over/Under projections:  

Date & Time	Favorite	Line	Underdog	Total
12/28 4:25 ET	At Green Bay	-7.5	Detroit	47.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Houston	-9.5	Jacksonville	40.5
12/28 8:30 ET	At Pittsburgh	-3.5	Cincinnati	48
12/28 1:00 ET	Indianapolis	-7	At Tennessee	46.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Baltimore	-13.5	Cleveland	39.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At New England	-5	Buffalo	43.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Miami	-6	NY Jets	42
12/28 4:25 ET	At Atlanta	-3	Carolina	47.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Minnesota	-6	Chicago	44.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Kansas City	-1	San Diego	40.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At NY Giants	-2.5	Philadelphia	52.5
12/28 1:00 ET	Dallas	-4	At Washington	49
12/28 1:00 ET	New Orleans	-4	At Tampa Bay	47
12/28 4:25 ET	At Seattle	-12.5	St. Louis	41
12/28 4:25 ET	At San Francisco	-6.5	Arizona	36.5
12/28 4:25 ET	At Denver	-14	Oakland	48

Top 6 Highest Over/Unders (Most projected touchdowns):

You most likely will want to choose top stars playing in the following games, or at least have a kicker playing for 1 of the following teams in order to increase your likelihood of capturing points from some of the projected highest scoring games.

Date & Time	Favorite	Line	Underdog	Total
12/28 4:25 ET	At Green Bay	-7.5	Detroit	47.5
12/28 8:30 ET	At Pittsburgh	-3.5	Cincinnati	48
12/28 1:00 ET	At NY Giants	-2.5	Philadelphia	52.5
12/28 1:00 ET	Dallas	-4	At Washington	49
12/28 4:25 ET	At Denver	-14	Oakland	48
12/28 4:25 ET	At Atlanta	-3	Carolina	47.5

Top 6 Lowest Over/Unders: (Least projected touchdowns):

You most likely will want to avoid top stars playing in the following games, or at least limit the number of combined athletes on the following teams below since these games are projected to have the fewest number of touchdowns.  Alternatively, you may want to consider choosing your defense from one of the below games since these games are projected to be the lowest scoring. 

Date & Time	Favorite	Line	Underdog	Total
12/28 1:00 ET	At Houston	-9.5	Jacksonville	40.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Baltimore	-13.5	Cleveland	39.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Miami	-6	NY Jets	42
12/28 1:00 ET	At Kansas City	-1	San Diego	40.5
12/28 4:25 ET	At Seattle	-12.5	St. Louis	41
12/28 4:25 ET	At San Francisco	-6.5	Arizona	36.5

Key 2: Pay attention to point spread discrepancies:  Teams will begin to rest stars and run out the clock if they get out to huge leads early in the game. Alternatively game plans will change as teams that get ahead will feed their Running Back more carries, while teams that fall behind will air out the ball more and have the potential to earn garbage points in the passing game. Week 17 represents more potential variables, given that teams earning playoff births will immediately be looking to rest their starts, teams like (Tampa Bay) have an incentive to loose in order to win #1 draft picks, while every other team in between may decide to tryout potential “unproven” players in an effort to appease G.M’s looking at next years projected salary cap and offseason rosters. 

Top 6 Biggest point spread line discrepancies: (Biggest blowouts)

Danger with choosing players playing in these games is that the teams jumping out to early leads will go run heavy, while teams falling behind will air out the ball. While both teams could decide to begin resting players since it is week 17.

Date & Time	Favorite	Line	Underdog	Total
12/28 4:25 ET	At Green Bay	-7.5	Detroit	47.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Houston	-9.5	Jacksonville	40.5
12/28 1:00 ET	Indianapolis	-7	At Tennessee	46.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Baltimore	-13.5	Cleveland	39.5
12/28 4:25 ET	At Seattle	-12.5	St. Louis	41
12/28 4:25 ET	At Denver	-14	Oakland	48

Top 6 smallest point spread line discrepancies: (Closest games)

These games are projected to be close. Overall all things considered if the game does remain close there should be less overall risk (variance) in teams changing up their game plans dramatically if the game does remain close through the majority of the game. However, since it is week 17 there is still a danger that teams could decide to begin resting star players to prevent injuries.

Date & Time	Favorite	Line	Underdog	Total
12/28 8:30 ET	At Pittsburgh	-3.5	Cincinnati	48
12/28 4:25 ET	At Atlanta	-3	Carolina	47.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At Kansas City	-1	San Diego	40.5
12/28 1:00 ET	At NY Giants	-2.5	Philadelphia	52.5
12/28 1:00 ET	Dallas	-4	At Washington	49
12/28 1:00 ET	New Orleans	-4	At Tampa Bay	47

Most undervalued Daily Fantasy Players: (Per our algorithm based on daily fantasy price tag):

1.      Luke Wilson – The cheapest tight end available, however they are playing strong St. Louis defense.

2.      Chase Daniels – The Chiefs back-up QB will get his 1^st start of the year, and while he will not put up big numbers, there is a chance he could put up decent numbers, which would be huge given the fact that he is the lowest priced starting QB in week 17.

3.      Devonta Freeman – With Steven Jackson ruled officially out, Devonta Freeman gets a huge boost in value while seeing no increase in his daily fantasy price tag. He found the end zone last week and has put up decent numbers when in. + any RB in Atlanta’s systems will pick-up at least 7+ points from the passing game.

4.      Reggie Bush – Reggie Bush has slowly but surely been getting healthier, while his daily fantasy price tag has not risen. While Bell will get bulk of carries, he is banged up meaning that Reggie Bush could play a larger factor in the Lions game plan.

5.      Inman – While I can’t even think of the San Diego chargers 1^st name, it doesn’t matter cause now one else knows who he is anyways. However, with Keenan Allen officially out Inman is almost as cheap as receivers can get despite putting up decent numbers last week.  

Week 17 NFL Key Injury Reports:

NFL playoff picture:

The New England Patriots are the only playoff team that has clinched a spot that will remain unchanged regardless of what happens. New England locked up the AFC East in Week 15, and secured both a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in Week 16 thanks to wins over the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

The Indianapolis Colts are almost in the same position as there is very little to play for since the scenario under which a playoff seeding adjustment is very likely to occur (less than 1% chance). They do have an outside chance of locking up the No. 3 seed if the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers play to a tie, and they beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

There are teams that don't need to do much to lock up high seeds in the bracket. The Denver Broncos can lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC in every scenario except if they lose to the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that case, Cincinnati would take the No. 2 seed. Aside from those three teams, there are two spots still up for grabs and a whole lot of seeding still too do in both conferences.

NFC Division leaders:

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-4)

2. Detroit Lions (11-4)

3. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

4. Carolina Panthers (6-8-1)

NFC Wild card:

5. Green Bay Packers (11-4)

6. Arizona Cardinals (11-4)

NFC in the hunt:

Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

When it comes to the NFC, no seeds are guaranteed. Four teams are in the running for the top seed, five are in the running for the No. 2 seed, and so on. The closest thing we have to guarantees when it comes to seeding: the Dallas Cowboys will earn the No. 3 seed at worst and the No. 1 seed at best, while either the Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons will win the fourth seed.

Carolina and Atlanta are playing each other for the NFC South crown, while the Cowboys have already locked up the NFC East. There are no wild card spots still up for grabs, as the only team currently on the outside looking in is Atlanta.

But which team ends up where is totally up for grabs. The Seattle Seahawks can secure the No. 1 seed by beating the St. Louis Rams, but all of the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers can earn it, as well. Arizona would need a Seattle loss, a win in their game, and the Lions to beat the Packers. Detroit can get the top seed if both the Cardinals and Seahawks lose while it wins. Green Bay can get the No. 1 seed if it wins and Seattle loses. Dallas can get it if Arizona and Seattle loses, while the Lions and Packers play to a tie.

All four of these teams could also, theoretically, wind up as No. 5 and No. 6 seeds. More accurately, one of Seattle or Arizona will get the No. 5 seed, while the loser between Green Bay and Detroit will get the No. 6 seed.

 NFL WEEK 17

AFC Division leaders:

1. New England Patriots (12-3)

2. Denver Broncos (11-4)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (10-4-1)

4. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

AFC Wild card:

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

6. San Diego Chargers (9-6)

AFC In the hunt:

Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

Houston Texans (8-7)

Kansas City Chiefs (8-7)

As noted above, both the Patriots and Colts have nothing to play for and won't influence any other game Sunday. The top seed is New England's, which means the Broncos and Bengals are fighting for the second first-round bye. Denver needs a win to secure it, or a Cincinnati loss if it loses. Cincinnati needs a win and a Denver loss to get the No. 2 seed.

The No. 3 seed belongs to the winner of the AFC North, unless that winner is the Bengals and they benefit from the aforementioned Denver loss to take the No. 2 seed. In that case, Denver would take the No. 3 seed and Pittsburgh would take the No. 5 seed. The loser of that AFC North matchup will claim the No. 5 seed for certain.

The No. 5 seed is the unclaimed spot, and four teams are vying for it: the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. For the Chargers, getting in is simple: they have to beat the Chiefs. If they do that, they're in regardless. Kansas City gets in if they win and Baltimore and Houston lose to the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. The Ravens get in if they win and the Chargers lose. The Texans can get in if they win and the Chargers and Ravens both lose.

Poor Weather conditions to consider:

Rain could be a common theme linking several games played early on the final regular-season Sunday of the NFL season. Per WeatherUnderground.com, precipitation is likely to fall in five contests: Browns-Ravens, Cowboys-Washington, Bills-Patriots, Eagles-Giants and Colts-Titans. Browns-Ravens and Cowboys-Washington have playoff ramifications.

Here’s a rundown of the conditions expected in the 14 outdoor games to be played on Sunday. All games have 1 p.m. Eastern kickoffs unless otherwise noted.

Cleveland at Baltimore

Temperature: 49 degrees.

Wind: Five mph out of the west.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 89 percent.

San Diego at Kansas City

Temperature: 33 degrees.

Wind: Three mph out of the south-southwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: None.

N.Y. Jets at Miami

Temperature: 83 degrees.

Wind: Seven mph out of the southeast.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Eight percent.

Chicago at Minnesota

Temperature: 21 degrees.

Wind: Five mph out of the north.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Three percent.

Buffalo at New England

Temperature: 46 degrees.

Wind: Five mph out of the west.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 60 percent.

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants

Temperature: 49 degrees.

Wind: Six mph out of the west-northwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 80 percent.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay

Temperature: 75 degrees.

Wind: Six mph out of the south-southwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Three percent.

Indianapolis at Tennessee

Temperature: 44 degrees.

Wind: Six mph out of the north.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 80 percent.

Dallas at Washington

Temperature: 49 degrees.

Wind: Five mph out of the west.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 88 percent.

Detroit at Green Bay (4:25 p.m. ET)

Temperature: 25 degrees.

Wind: Six mph out of the west-northwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Six percent.

Oakland at Denver (4:25 p.m. ET)

Temperature: 33 degrees.

Wind: Three mph out of the west.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Four percent.

Arizona at San Francisco (4:25 p.m. ET)

Temperature: 56 degrees.

Wind: Six mph out of the north-northwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Three percent.

St. Louis at Seattle (4:25 p.m. ET)

Temperature: 41 degrees.

Wind: Two mph out of the north-northeast.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: 22 percent.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (8:30 p.m. ET, NBC)

Temperature: 35 degrees.

Wind: Four mph out of the north-northwest.

Precipitation chance at kickoff: Ten percent.

Teams Inspired to save Coaches job:

Teams below may play inspired football because their coach’s job is on the line  and compared to other situations it is widely believed that the below coaches have respect of key veterans.

New Orleans Saints – Playing hard to close out with a win to increasing likelihood of bringing back Sean Payton.

Atlanta Falcons – They are playing hard to clinch a playoff spot, however it is widely believed that they are playing for Mike Smith as a loss would almost surely mean a 2015 coaching change.

Oakland Raiders – While it is always difficult to count on the Raiders, their head coach Tony Sparano has been the biggest single factor in raising their level of competitiveness and preventing the reality of a winless season. While Tony Sparano has done everything possible to motivate his team and has likely won over the locker room, both he and his team may come out with a chip on their shoulder with nothing to lose since

Inspired Players:

Jay Cutler – While worthless, all year Jay Cutler is playing for his next team and may finally decide to step-up his game to prove his market value.

Andre Johnson – The ageing veteran believes he is worth wide receiver #1 dollars and may try and prove it during week 17 to justify a large off-season contract.

Michael Crabtree – Having another disappointing year, Michael Crabtree  will most likely not be in a 49ers uniform next year. Thus, he will need a huge game during week 17 to boost his free agency demand and price tag in the offseason.

Frank Gore – You can always count on 100% effort from Frank Gore, however it is widely believed the ageing veteran wants to remain in S.F which will can only be accompanied with a competitive salary offer if he has a huge week 17.  

Jeremy Maclin – The star Eagles WR has had a somewhat of a disappointing year considering expectations and with a large contract looming he needs to leave on a high note.

Mark Sanchez – Sanchize can never be counted on in big games, however with absolutely nothing to play for (except his off season contract details) Mark Sanchez could be an X-Factor and outperform expectations since there is no pressure to win, only put up big numbers. 

Kenny Britt- Kenny Who? Who cares because St. Loius is playing a motivated Seattle team which will outshine any individual motivations.

 NFL Playoff Picture:

5 of 6 NFC teams have already clinched a playoff spot.

In the AFC

San Diego is the win and in team.

Key Teams already clinching:

These teams have already clinched a playoff spot and have little or no chance of gaining a seeding improvement, thus their coaches would be ludicrous to risk injury in what is essentially a (high risk) pre-season game.

NFL Week 17 notable injuries:

Probable:

·         Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, calf (P): Rodgers injured his calf in Week 16, and while he stayed on the field to finish the game, his mobility was significantly limited in the second half. Rodgers didn’t take any downtime, however, going into the team facility for workouts Monday. He was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. He was also listed as limited both Thursday and Friday, but those are estimations since the team did not hold a formal practice. Rodgers made it clear at the start of the week he planned to play, but it would not be surprising if he is still somewhat limited in his mobility, particularly as the game progresses.

·         Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, thigh (P): Everyone knows Manning plans to play this week, but he remains on the injury report because of his thigh. Another week removed from the injury, he should be faring some better, and he was a full participant in practice throughout the week. The Broncos can earn a bye during the first round of playoffs with a win over the Oakland Raiders, so there should be plenty of playing time for Manning.

·         Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, chest, back (P): Rivers started off last week’s game a bit shaky but bounced back to deliver a stunning comeback performance. The news of the bulging disc in his back might have some folks worried, but not Rivers, who said he felt much better early this week than he did at the same time last week. He may not be feeling 100 percent, but he already proved what he can do despite his current condition. He will certainly play as the Chargers need a win to secure a playoff spot. Rivers will be without his top running back (Ryan Mathews) and most likely without his top receiver, as well (Keenan Allen, who is doubtful), but that was also the case last week, and we saw how that turned out. Rivers is quite capable of finding his other options, and Antonio Gates was one who stood out in Week 16.

·         Tom Brady, New England Patriots, ankle (P): Brady is expected to make his start in Week 17 when the Patriots face the Bills, but ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss expects his time on the field could be limited, especially if the Patriots get ahead early.

·         Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys, back (P): With the exception of the game after he broke two transverse processes in his back, Romo has answered the bell every single week. He is expected to do so again this Sunday. The concern for fantasy owners might be how long Romo will remain in this game. There is not much to be gained for the Cowboys by keeping him in the entire game, and there is definitely much to lose should he get hurt. Maintaining the rhythm of playing weekly will help ensure that he starts, but don’t be surprised if he doesn't finish.

Running backs

·         DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys, hand, illness (P): Murray has already proven that he can play since the hand surgery. Now everyone wants to know whether he’ll repeat the effort in a game that doesn’t matter much for the Cowboys in terms of their playoff scenario. The probable tag indicates the Cowboys expect to have him, and it’s worth noting Murray needs just 29 yards to pass Emmitt Smith’s single-season rushing record. Of course, the Cowboys will give him the opportunity to reach that milestone, but whether he will see much additional time on the field beyond setting a record is questionable.

·         Steven Jackson, Atlanta Falcons, quadriceps (Q): Jackson injured his quad in Week 16 and left the game before the end of the first half. His status has been in doubt all week, and he was absent from practice daily, further hinting at his being out this Sunday. Although the team has not formally ruled him out, ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure cites multiple sources indicating Jackson will miss. Jackson’s absence would increase the opportunities for Devonta Freeman (who found the end zone last week) and Jacquizz Rodgers.

·         Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs, hamstring, ankle (Q): Charles has been banged up one way or another for a good portion of this season, and it may be catching up to him. Last week the injuries certainly didn’t help when the Chiefs matched up against the Steelers. This week would appear to be a more favorable scenario for Charles, but between his hamstring and his ankle, he was only a limited participant in practice each day. The questionable tag in the final injury report of the week doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Still, Charles has been listed as questionable before and has taken the field. This is a must-win game for the Chiefs in order for them to even have a shot at the playoffs. The Chiefs will have Chase Daniel filling in at quarterback, and it would be ideal for them to have their full complement of running backs. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the news of whether or not that will happen is likely to come down to pregame inactives.

·         Rashad Jennings, ankle, (P) and Andre Williams, shoulder, (Q), New York Giants: After suffering a setback on the first play in the Week 15 game, Jennings was out for Week 16, and it appeared he might miss the final week, as well. Things appear to have taken an upward turn. Jennings was in practice on a limited basis all week and comes into the weekend listed as probable. All indications are that he will take the field against the Eagles on Sunday, but how will he hold up? No way to know for sure, but after the early aggravation of the ankle injury two weeks ago, it seems unlikely the Giants would allow him to play if they suspected there might be a repeat occurrence. ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano expects Jennings to play and acknowledges the running game gets a huge boost if he can last for four quarters, especially given the possibility of Williams having to sit out with a shoulder injury.

·         Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks, back (P): Lynch was off Wednesday and estimated to be off Thursday (Seahawks did not conduct a practice that day) but returned Friday. Again, he is listed at probable. Again, we expect him to run hard Sunday with the division title up for grabs between the Seahawks and the Cardinals. The Seahawks face the Rams in a late afternoon game.

·         C.J. Anderson, ankle (P), Ronnie Hillman, foot (P), Denver Broncos: The Broncos need a good game. They would like to move past the difficult prime-time loss to the Bengals, and they can earn a playoff bye with a win against the Chargers. How nice then that they will likely be getting the services of Hillman, who has been out since Week 10 with a midfoot sprain. Anderson is expected to remain the starter, but the Broncos have more options with Hillman in the mix. Fantasy owners may not be thrilled about any division of workload, but it’s hard to imagine Hillman taking too much away from Anderson in his first game back. This is more likely to be a build-up toward the playoffs for him.

·         DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers, hand (P): This is the first time Williams has been listed as probable since injuring his hand in Week 13, and it sounds like the Panthers expect to have him available. Teammate Jonathan Stewart is still expected to start and, more importantly, get the bulk of the work.

·         Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings, foot (P): Asiata has already played through this injury and found the end zone twice last week, foot ailment and all. There is no real concern about his status for this week given that he practiced in full each day and is listed as probable.

·         LeGarrette Blount, shoulder, and Shane Vereen, ankle, New England Patriots (Q): Last week Blount ended up sitting out the game because of the shoulder injury. Vereen played, but his contribution was limited as the work appeared to be split among the trio of active backs -- Gray, Vereen and Brandon Bolden. This week Jonas Gray has already been ruled out with an ankle injury, and it will again likely be a committee approach -- but it’s hard to know which backs will end up being active. With the team’s playoff status already secure, there’s not any reason to take risks. Fantasy owners will want to be sure to check pregame inactives before submitting their lineups.

·         Joique Bell, Detroit Lions, Achilles, (P): Bell was added to the injury report with an Achilles strain this week but had two consecutive days of practice Thursday and Friday. It appears the Lions are confident he will play since he has been designated as probable. The only concern would be a possible in-game setback that would force an early exit.

Wide receivers

·         Julio Jones, hip (Q), Roddy White, ankle (P) and Harry Douglas, foot (P), Atlanta Falcons: The status of these three was identical last week, and they were all active. The most questionable right up to the 90-minute pregame inactive announcement was Jones, and he answered questions about whether he would be able to perform. With an additional week under his belt, one day of practice participation Friday (Jones did not practice at all last week) and a must-win situation for the Falcons, his status is less dubious than last week. The expectation is that all three will suit up with the divisional title at stake against the Carolina Panthers.

·         T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts, hamstring (Q): Hilton was another receiver whose status came down to the wire last week, although by game day it was looking likely he would sit. The rest has perhaps paid off as Hilton was able to participate on a limited basis each day this week and, above all, suffered no setbacks by returning too soon. Although he is again listed as questionable, there is more optimism about Hilton’s availability this week. That said, he may not see an entire game’s worth of action in an effort to ensure he doesn’t suffer a setback this week. Playing at game speed is always a big test, and the Colts might be inclined to be cautious.

·         A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals, biceps (P): Given how much pain Green was in when he took the shot to his arm in the Monday night game, there was no way of knowing whether six days would be enough to allow him to return to action. Green indicated to ESPN.com’s Coley Harvey that he experienced numbness down the arm after the hit, indicating the nerve had been affected. Those symptoms cleared within the first 48 hours, though, and Green was even back in limited practice late in the week. The probable tag puts fantasy owners at ease despite the Sunday night kickoff; Green is expected to play.

·         DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans, wrist (P): Hopkins played last week despite being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. This week it’s his wrist that has him on the report, but the probable tag indicates he will play.

·         Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos, hip (Q): Last week Sanders overcame his flu-like symptoms to play Monday night, but this week he is dealing with a hip injury. Sanders was limited in practice throughout the week, and the questionable tag does raise some concern. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, Sanders is expected to play as of now, but fantasy owners are advised to have a backup plan. Teammate Demaryius Thomas is on the injury report again this week (ankle, hip), but at probable, there is no doubt he will take the field. This game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

·         Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles, knee (P): Matthews is on the report again because of his knee, but he has been playing through it. Expect him to do so again when the Eagles visit the Giants.

·         Percy Harvin, New York Jets, ankle, ribs (Q): Harvin now has bruised ribs to go along with his recently sprained ankle. Early in the week, coach Rex Ryan said Harvin was “very sore,” and he did not practice except for a limited workout Friday. The return to practice is an encouraging sign, but this is still expected to be a game-time decision.

·         Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, ankle (P): By now fantasy owners know that when Johnson is listed as probable, as he has been for the last few weeks, he is expected to play. Expect him on the field to face the Packers.

·         Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, knee (P): Fitzgerald sprained his knee (Grade 2 MCL sprain) in Week 11 and has appeared on the injury report most weeks since. He returned to play in Week 14 and continues to be a full participant in practices. At probable, he is expected to take the field again Sunday against the 49ers.

·         Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers, knee (P): Crabtree has not been at full health for a fair portion of the season, cropping up on the injury report at various points with different ailments. Still, he has been active for every game this season. Expect him to be active again this Sunday against the Cardinals, but it’s hard to count on a significant amount of production. Last week he appeared to aggravate his knee early in the game and only had one reception in the short amount of time he saw the field. At probable, he is expected to play, but he may not be at full health.

·         Julian Edelman, thigh, concussion, and Brandon LaFell, shoulder, New England Patriots (Q): Edelman sat out last week’s game after suffering a concussion the prior week. He has been in limited practices daily. LaFell played in Week 16, just as he has every other week since being listed on the injury report with a shoulder ailment, making it likely he sees the field again. With New England’s playoff spot secure and a significant number of their stars nursing multiweek injuries, the question becomes whether either of these players will see extensive playing time. ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss laid out the most likely scenario for the Patriots and their injured players, suggesting if the team secures an early lead against the Bills, their playing time could be limited.

Tight ends

·         Julius Thomas, ankle, and Jacob Tamme, foot, Denver Broncos (P): Thomas was making improvements in practice last week and appeared poised for a bigger performance in Week 16 than the one he had the prior week when he returned from injury. Simply put, that did not happen. Will it happen this week? The opportunities will be there. Thomas practiced fully all week, and after the Broncos’ collective disappointing showing Monday night, everyone wants to shake that memory. Meanwhile Tamme, who had been dealing with sore ribs, now has a foot ailment, but at probable, he is also expected to play.

·         Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings, ankle (Q): Rudolph was upgraded to questionable this week, and his knee is no longer listed as a problem on the injury report. Still, he had not been himself since returning from abdominal surgery and could be hard to trust in this spot.

·         Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins, hamstring, knee (P): Clay practiced on a limited basis each day and is expected to play when the Dolphins host the Jets.

Out:

This space is intended for a list of key players, not including those who have been moved to injured reserve status, who are officially listed as "out" for the upcoming game.

·         Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs, lacerated spleen: Smith’s symptoms were slow to evolve over the first few days following last week’s game, but once the team discovered the nature of the injury, it was clear he would be ruled out. Chase Daniel will start for the Chiefs in this must-win matchup against the Chargers.

·         Jimmy Clausen, QB, Chicago Bears, concussion: A concussion sustained late in last week’s game will sideline Clausen this week. Jay Cutler resumes his starting role.

·         Jonas Gray, RB, New England Patriots, ankle: Gray saw limited action in the second half of last week’s game and showed up on the injury report this week with an ankle ailment. After limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, Gray was a nonparticipant Friday and was later ruled out for Sunday’s game.

·         Drew Stanton, QB, Arizona Cardinals, knee: Stanton looked to be on track to return soon from the knee sprain that caused him to miss last week's game, until he developed an infection. He underwent a scope this week and is out indefinitely.

·         Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers, ankle: Mathews missed Weeks 15 and 16 with the ankle injury, and he will miss yet one more. Branden Oliver, Donald Brown and Ronnie Brown formed a running back committee last week with Oliver being the primary beneficiary.

·         Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers, ankle, shoulder: The Chargers will be without their top running back in Mathews and also their top receiver in Allen. This could mean another fine week for tight end Antonio Gates.

·         Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts, knee: Allen left last week’s game with a knee injury, and while the team deemed it not serious, it’s enough of a concern for them to hold him out this week.

·         Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns, hamstring: Manziel was forced out of the Week 16 game with a hamstring injury and was ruled out early in the week for this Sunday. With Brian Hoyer’s shoulder ailing, it appears Connor Shaw will get the Sunday start.

·         Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles, collarbone: Foles remains out as his clavicle has still not fully healed. Mark Sanchez continues to be the starter.

Injury Key:

·         Out: This is the easy one; the guy's definitely not playing Sunday. As painful as it might be to see this designation next to a player on your fantasy roster, at least you know in advance of the game that he's sitting out, and you can plan accordingly.

·         Probable (P): This designation indicates that a player has a greater than 50 percent chance of playing. Most players listed here are expected to play, barring a setback between the final injury report and kickoff.

·         Questionable (Q): This is the fantasy owner's most dreaded player designation, yet it manages to be the one most frequently utilized by teams (often to keep everyone guessing). It means a player's status is on the fence; there is a 50-50 chance that he's on the field come game time, although as many fantasy owners have come to learn, many teams utilize the questionable designation for any player with a hint of injury. Whether a player ends up active or inactive often comes down to a game-time decision based on how he performs during warm-ups. It is important for fantasy owners to check status reports leading up to the game.

Doubtful (D): The doubtful designation means a player has theoretically less than a 25 percent chance of playing that week. Rarely does a player labeled as doubtful end up playing, unless he experiences a major turnaround before game time. Fantasy owners who need to make roster.

NOTE: NFL perfect challenge offers 1 lucky winner the opportunity to win 1 million dollars with no entry fee. Google NFL perfect challenge and register for week 17 to win.