Start 'Em

Marshawn Lynch @ Ari
Since Week 4 Lynch has been on an absolute tear, he has scored at least 1 TD in 11 consecutive games. In fact, the Cardinals (this week’s opponent) were the last team to hold “Beast Mode” out of the endzone, and that was way back on September 25. Last week he became the first player in the NFL this season to run for 100 or more yards and record a rushing TD against 49ers and he accomplished both feats in one game. He’s rushed for at least 100 yards in six of his last eight games with 10 TDs in that span. One of the great fantasy stories of 2011, Lynch is once again an auto-start this week.

Reggie has surprised a few critics.

Reggie Bush vs. NYJ
Reggie suffered a right knee injury last week and his Week 17 status is unknown, but he said earlier in the week that he didn't expect the injury to hold him out of action against the Jets. Be sure to keep an eye on the situation and monitor his practice level up to Saturday, but if he starts, you should feel great plugging him in. The move to Miami has been a blessing for Bush, in his first season as a Dolphin he records his first 1,000-yard season after failing to do so for five years in New Orleans. Amazingly, he has received at least 22 carries in three of his last four games (after only topping 20 carries once as a Saint) and he’s had at least 100 yards rushing in four consecutive games - including 203 in Buffalo during Week 15. The Jets have allowed 17 rushing TDs, tied for the 3rd highest total in the league (Bills, Panthers).

Kahlil Bell @ Min
It’s truly a gift when a quality running back comes out of nowhere just in time for a fantasy championship game. Such is the case with Bell, who has 186 rushing yards on 38 carries (4.89 yards per carry average) in the past two games, including career-highs of 121 yards on 23 carries last week in Green Bay when he filled in for the injured Marion Barber. With 14 receptions for 105 yards over his last three games, Bell has shown that he is not a one-trick pony. He’s a strong play in Minnesota as he figures to receive the bulk of the carries in the Chicago backfield.

Bench 'Em

Toby Gerhart vs. Chi
There is no denying that Gerhart has been getting it done lately; it seems that when he gets enough carries to develop a game-rhythm, he can be an effective NFL running back. He’s had at least 90 rushing yards in three of his last four games, including 109 in Washington last week. Now that Adrian Peterson’s season is over, Gerhart is in line for the majority of work in Week 17, but the Bears have tightened up their run defense as the season has progressed. Chicago has not allowed a 100-yard rusher since RB Jahvid Best (163) way back in Week 5. On the season, the Bears have held opponents to 97.5 rushing yards per game (6th in NFL) and 9 ground TDs (t-6th).

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Dal
Bradshaw missed practice on Wednesday but does not appear to be in danger of missing Sunday night’s showdown with Dallas. He received 15 carries last week for the first time Since Week 6 when he had 26 carries for 104 yards versus the Bills, although he has only gone over 59 rushing yards twice this season. On the positive side, he has scored 3 TDs in the last two games, but Brandon Jacobs will also be in the mix, especially for goal-line work. Bradshaw has a disappointing average of 3.9 yards per carry and he’ll need a TD to have fantasy relevance this week. The Cowboys have limited opponents to 98.6 rushing yards per game (7th in NFL) and they have allowed 9 ground scores (t-6th).

Felix Jones @ NYG
Despite suiting up and sitting out most of last week’s loss to the Eagles, Fragile Felix is expected to suit up and play in the NFC East championship game on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. If Jones can remain healthy in this game he should certainly be a viable option, but it is incredible how often this guy gets dinged up. Because of this, I would not be surprised if Sammy Morris finishes with more carries this week. Jones did have 106 yards against the Giants when the teams met in Week 14, but the yardage will be harder to come by in what is likely to be a chilly, hostile road environment. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t have much confidence in the Cowboys in this game.

Wide Receivers