Much to Play For: Peterson's battle for
the rushing title and the Vikings are pushing for the No.3
seed.
Grab a Helmet
Adrian
Peterson @ GB: Opponents can’t stop him, and apparently
season ending knee injuries or year-long suspensions can’t either.
The passing game numbers never materialized for Peterson this
year, so AP owners fell back on his 1,400-plus-yard, 10-touchdown
season. Peterson figures to be a big part of the game plan against
the Packers on the road, as his last game at Lambeau (32-146-1)
will attest. Peterson has been his amazing self yet again, throwing
cold water on all the “sunset” of his career talk. Green Bay can
be run on, especially if B.J. Raji isn’t able to make it through
the concussion protocol. Fire Peterson up as normal!
Todd
Gurley @ SF: Gurley was a revelation, and after his
mind boggling four-game stretch to start his career I was convinced
he would lead many a team to the fantasy title. Well it just so
happens he couldn’t quite overcome the limitations of his offense,
and has slowed considerably since that hot start. He’s heating
up again, posting 4 touchdowns in his last three games, and this
week gets a 49er team limping into the offseason. The 49ers defense
gives up the 3rd most fantasy points to running backs and I expect
Gurley to run wild to close out his impressive rookie campaign.
Frank
Gore vs. TEN: I wanted to end the 2015 Shot Caller’s
Report running back starts with a bookend to Gurley. While the
wunderkind from the Rams starts his career, Gore most certainly
could be closing out one of the most consistent fantasy careers
ever. With the potential for great turnover this offseason, Gore
could be lacing up for the last time. The 11-year vet has eight
1,000-yard seasons on his resume and with a strong finish, could
make it nine. Gore actually had one of his better games of the
year last week against Miami, rushing for 85 yards and two scores
on only 15 carries. Between a starting quarterback who was just
signed a few days ago, to an opponent who is in the middle of
the pack on run defense things line up well for Gore. If the Colts
have a prayer of winning this game, and keeping their scant playoff
hopes alive, it’s going to be on the legs of Frank.
Grab Some Pine
Karlos
Williams vs NYJ: With McCoy set to miss yet another
game with a knee sprain, it looks like Williams will get the start
at the season’s wrap up point. Williams has been at times dynamic,
accounting for 8 total touchdowns on a very limited set of touches.
Williams had the bulk of the carries last week against Dallas,
but still gives up some work to the fresher looking Mike Gillislee.
The time-share, and opponent (Jets give up the 2nd fewest points
to running backs) makes Williams a seriously risky selection in
Week 17.
Isaiah
Crowell vs. PIT: Crowell has given his fantasy owners
(if there were any left) something to cheer about since Johnny
Football was inserted into the line-up. Manziel’s running threat
naturally opens up holes and opportunities, and Crowell has capitalized
with a strong 4-game stretch that has included a 145-yard day,
and 3 touchdowns. But mid-week concussion symptoms look to keep
Manziel out for the season finale, leaving Austin Davis behind
center. Pittsburgh has been strong against the run all year, and
without Manziel to keep the outside linebackers honest, Crowell
could be running into steel curtains all afternoon.
Doug
Martin @ CAR: Martin has been fantastic all year, and
it feels scummy to close out his great year with a spot on the
“sit” list. He rushed for 100-plus yards against the
Panthers earlier in the year, and is fighting AP for the league
rushing title, but I have a sinking feeling that gameflow could
severely limit Martin this week. Carolina must play all out to
preserve the No.1 seed, and they are going to be very feisty after
losing their first game of the year last week. If they jump out
to a big early lead, Martin will cede work to Charles Sims. This
ends up putting a real limit on his ceiling.
