Sunday, January 18, 2009

FANTASY FOOTBALL-CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY PRE-GAME PLANNER

If you are competing in a fantasy football playoff league, you are pretty much committed to whatever players you have left on your roster with four teams left standing: Philadelphia-Arizona (NFC championship) and Baltimore-Pittsburgh (AFC championship) .
Still, here is my take on who should produce the most fantasy points today.
The position that should struggle is running back.
There is snow in Pittsburgh. National experts are telling you a healthy Willie Parker will have a huge game for the Steelers. Keep in mind in six career games against the Ravens he is only averaging 43.7 yards a game with no rushing touchdowns. If anyone should dominate on the ground it will likely be Willis McGahee because he is a big, bruising back and should have the best footing in the slippery conditions. The bigger and bulkier they are in snowy and ice conditions, the harder they are to bring down.
Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger should have manageable games with low yardage and a touchdown pass each.
In the Eagles at Cardinals game, don't expect a lot from Eagles back Brian Westbrook, even though he will be leaned on heavily today. He is still injured and has only combined for 74 rushing yards on 38 carries in the post season. Westbrook and Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will be the focus of the Cardinals' defense. However, I expect both quarterbacks to post the most fantasy points of any players in both games because this should be a high-scoring game in the 50-55 point range (both teams combined). Arizona receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston and Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson and tight end L.J. Smith should also produce double-digit points.
Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh defenses are good plays as are all four kickers with at least 2-3 field goals likely by each team today.
Good luck and hope your players advance to the Super Bowl!