Sunday Recap: Week 17

Jets @ Bills

Rex Ryan's Super Bowl was a success, as the Bills eliminated the New York Jets from the postseason. I am a little bummed, as the Ryan Fitzpatrick show lost its steam. He tossed three interceptions, and had 181 passing yards. He did find the usual receivers for his touchdowns. Brandon Marshall finished the season with an 8-126-1 line, and Eric Decker had a 5-50-1 line. That sums up the Jets' day, and I do question New York not running the ball more.

Buffalo's offense was not impressive this week, but were gifted with good field possession, and took advantage of it. Tyrod Taylor had 51 yards on the ground, and a score. He only threw for 182 yards, but did not find the end zone in the passing game. Sammy Watkins had 136 of those 182 yards, on 11 catches. He also saw 15 targets. It took the Bills about 13 weeks to figure out they needed to force feed Watkins.

But hey, look what happened. Watkins and Taylor carried this team to the elimination Super Bowl.

Aim a little higher next time Rex.

Titans @ Colts

Four backup QB's played in this game between the two teams. So this is definitely an enjoyable writeup for me. Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley auditioned for Luck's backup spot next year. Zach Mettenberger and some lucky fan named Alex Tanney combined for 138 passing yards.

There was 54 points scored between the two teams, as both defenses probably realized they did not need to play 100%. Coby Fleener had a 7-88-1 line, and Andre Johnson had a 4-46-1 line. It's week 17, did you expect Donte Moncrief and T.Y. Hilton to come alive in this game?

It took 17 weeks, but Tennessee put together a successful running attack. David Cobb had 73 yards, on 19 carries, and also found the end zone. Tennessee found their future back however, Delanie Walker. He had a 36 yard run, and has tossed his hat into the ring for next year's RB battle. Walker also finished the day nine catches, for 94 yards. He saw 14 targets, and I want to thank him for being such a great cash game tight end this season.

Patriots @ Dolphins

30 combined points here, as New England missed out on the number one seed, which somehow went to Denver.

New England nearly saw their season end, as Tom Brady was crushed numerous times, and once that had Pats fans ready to call it a year. Miami's defense came to play, but also that Pats' o-line is in trouble.

I will be short and sweet describing the Pats' offense. -- It was awful. Although, Steven Jackson rose from the grave, rushing for 35 yards, and a score.

Lamar Miller saw 19 carries, rushing for 60 yards, and not much more. Thanks Miami for keeping us guessing this season on Miller's touches. DeVante Parker was the bright spot in an ugly game, posting a 5-106-1 line. Landry had another double-digit target game, ending with a 6-72-0 line.

Let us hope Miami finds a "bright" coaching staff next year for our DFS purposes.

Saints @ Falcons

If you had a feeling about this game, your feeling was likely the same as mine. Falcons-Saints, a big projected total, but I had the feeling it was going to hit the under hard. It did so, with just 37 combined points.

Drew Brees tossed for over 323 yards, but had just one score. It was to Benjamin Watson, who finished with a 6-59-1 day. He ended up with solid numbers among the tight ends. Guys like Travaris Cadet and Brandon Coleman finished with over 75 receiving yards each, because week 17.

Tim Hightower continued his hot stretch of four weeks. He might have earned himself some looks for next season. He had 66 rushing yards, and five catches, for 41 yards. He also had a rushing TD.

Atlanta did what they do best, and that's underachieve in great matchups. Julio Jones had a 9-149-0 day, which is solid, and I have no complaints with him. Devonta Freeman also had nearly 100 combined yards, and did find the end zone. I just expect more than two scores against this Saints' defense.

Ravens @ Bengals

The Bengals finished the season strong, and with the same record as the Patriots, and Broncos. Tune into the recap podcast to listen to BigItaly42 sound off about this situation.

A.J. McCarron managed the game, as a young QB is usually put in to do. Tyler Eifert had a 4-51-1 line, and after being banged up, finished strong with another touchdown. Eifert finishes 5th on the season in receiving touchdowns, and missed three games. A.J. Green had the other score, finishing the day with a 4-34-1 line. Nothing major from the passing game, but Jeremy Hill popped off a big game. He finished with 96 yards, and a score.

Ryan Mallett threw the ball 56 times this week, but was extremely inefficient, as many teams have been against Cincinnati. Kamar Aiken finished with 76 yards on the day, as he was the only one you took a shot on in the passing game.

Steve Smith is coming out of retirement for next season, lets hope he remains criminally underpriced as he was this year.

Steelers @ Browns

Yup... It would not be right to end the season without having a major cash game running back leave the game very early, and not return. DeAngelo Williams limped off the field, and ended up in a walking boot for the day.

This meant it was the Antonio Brown show. He finished the day with a 13-187-1 line, on 17 targets. If you are playing DFS in the playoffs. PLAY ANTONIO BROWN IN EVERY CONTEST!

Big Ben tossed for 349 yards, and three touchdowns, but also two picks. Pittsburgh's offense looked pretty "meh" against a poor Cleveland defense.

Cleveland locked up their top three pick today, while Johnny Manziel was gambling in Vegas. Looks like they might be after a new QB. 12 points for Cleveland this week, so that means Travis Coons was their best fantasy player. He was four for four on field goals.

Jaguars @ Texans

It was another monster week for the Houston D/ST, as well as Nick Novack. Houston gifted us with the kicker/defense stack. The defense had eight sacks, and one pick six. Nick Novack hit three field goals, and two for 50+ yards.

Houston's offense did not have to do much, as they ran Alfred Blue 21 times. He finished the day with 102 yards, but it was Jonathan Grimes who found the end zone. (twice)

The Jags offense did not show up this week, outside of Allen Robinson. He finished the day with a 5-108-0 line. Missed out on the end zone, but finishes the season tied with Doug Baldwin with the most receiving touchdowns. (14)

Redskins @ Cowboys

This was a tricky game, due to the possibility of Washington resting their players. Kirk Cousins only threw the ball three times, but had three touchdowns, and 176 yards. YOU LIKE THAT?

Washington thrashed this bad Dallas defense, even with Colt McCoy under center. Jamison Crowder had the big day, with a 5-109-1 line. Pierre Garcon, Rashad Ross, and Ryan Grant were the other touchdown recipients.

Week 17 was in full force, because Kellen Moore turned out to be a decent fantasy play. If you punted, mis-clicked, or just like Moore, he finished the day with 435 passing yards, and three touchdowns. Terrence Willams had a monster 173 receiving yard day, on eight catches. It was Jason Witten, and Cole Beasley who found the end zone though. Darren McFadden did what he did all season. Go over 100 total yards, but fail to find the end zone.

Eagles @ Giants

This game turned out the way we predicted, well outside of Odell Beckham Jr.'s final line. He finished with just five catches, for 54 yards. He was also only targeted seven times. Manning spread the ball out, finishing with 302 yards, and two scores. Rueben Randle had a 4-79-1 line, as Will Tye also found the end zone.

It was the Rashad Jennings show, as the Giants ran more than they have all year. He carried the ball 27 times, for 170 yards, and a score.

Chip Kelly is gone, which meant DeMarco Murray found the end zone right? Yes, he finished with 69 yards, and a score.

The passing game came through in the final week of the season, and it was a cheap stack that paid off. Zach Ertz had a 9-152-0 day, while Jordan Matthews provided two scores. Both had nine targets. Curious to see these two in 2016 under new leadership, and likely a new QB.

Lions @ Bears

Matthew Stafford torched this Chicago defense in the first matchup, and the second was no different. Stafford tossed for 298 yards, and three scores. Calvin Johnson had a monster game, posting a 10-137-1 line, on 15 targets. About time.

That was about it from the Lions' offense, Eric Ebron and Timothy Wright caught touchdowns, but no other receiver had more than 50 yards.

Chicago was basically playing with a practice squad in the passing game. Zach Miller was a surprise scratch before the game, leaving Jay Cutler with not much to work with. Joshua Bellamy, and Matt Forte found the end zone in the passing game.

Forte finished off his last game as a Bear with 100 total yards, and a touchdown. Jeremy Langford looks to be the guy for the future.

Bucs @ Panthers

24-3 at the half, this one was done fairly quickly. Cam Newton polished off his likely MVP season, with four total touchdowns. He had two on the ground, and two through the air. With a depleted receiving core, Devin Funchess came about, with a 7-120-1 line.

Without Ted Ginn, Funchess led the team with eight targets. Corey Brown (8), Greg Olsen (2).

With no Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Cameron Artis-Payne combined for over 100 rushing yards, as CAP came away with the touchdown.

Tampa scored ten points, so you can't expect much here. Mike Evans caught four balls, for 99 yards. Charles Sims and Doug Martin both saw tons of looks, getting 18 targets. They combined for 134 yards, and 16 receptions. The check-down was real this week for Winston.

Raiders @ Chiefs

The Chiefs did what they have been doing for the last few weeks. They made sure Jeremy Maclin got his touchdown for us, but also made sure he didn't have too big of a game. He finished the day with a 3-54-1 line.

As for Travis Kelce... He was targeted twice, catching one ball, for ten yards.

Looking ahead at next week, nabbing the right Chiefs' running back will be key. Spencer Ware carried the ball 16 times, for 76 yards, and a score. He was much more efficient, as West rushed for 34 yards, on 13 carries. Smith also tacked on 61 yards on the ground, which was a nice bonus given his lack of passing yards.

Oakland's passing attack dwindled towards the end of the year, but Michael Crabtree did find the end zone. Trying to follow up a big week, Amari Cooper was held to just 20 yards, on two catches.

Watch out for Oakland's offense next year.

Seahawks @ Cardinals

This one was over quick, and so was any chance of fantasy points from the Arizona starters. Larry Fitzgerald did finish with a 6-55-1 line, but that was it from this offense, before giving way to the second string.

Seattle jumped out to a quick lead, as Russell Wilson threw three touchdowns, surprisingly none to Doug Baldwin. Instead it was Jermaine Kearse, Chase Coffman, and Will Tukuafu. You know, those guys.

Christine Michael ran for 102 yards on 17 carries, but Bryce Brown found the end zone. Marshawn Lynch might be healthy for the playoffs, but Michael is still the lead back in the meantime.

Rams @ 49ers

It was a battle of two of the worst offenses in the league, so a 19-16 game in overtime is just about as expected.

Todd Gurley sat out this week, and Tre Mason filled in with 44 yards, and a touchdown.

Anquan Boldin had a 5-71-1 line, and that about sums up this game.

Chargers @ Broncos

Somehow Denver nabbed the one seed in the AFC. After two interceptions, Brock Oswiler hit the bench in favor of the young hot-handed QB, Peyton Manning. He threw for just 69 yards, but according to Phil Simms, rallied this team.

It took 17 weeks, but Denver's running game came alive. Both Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson saw 15 carries. Hillman finished with 117 yards, and one score. Anderson 95 yards, and one score.

Good luck figuring it out in the playoffs, that is all I have to say.

Demaryius Thomas had a 5-117-1 line, busting out in his once in a blue moon fashion. He saw nine targets, to Emmanuel Sanders eight.

The San Diego? Chargers made it a game, as Philip Rivers tossed for 228 yards, and two scores. Antonio Gates posted a 3-34-1 line, trolling many season long players from last week. Tyrell Williams caught an 80 yard bomb, as San Diego's WR core was down to the bone.

Vikings @ Packers

It took 45 minutes for this game to get good, but Minnesota is your NFC North champs. They did it with Teddy Bridgewater throwing for 99 yards, and one interception.

Adrian Peterson had 67 yards, and a score, but has banged up most of the game. The defense returned a fumble for a score, and other than that, there were no fantasy points to be found. Moving into the playoffs, you can take a shot on AP, but this is not a fantasy friendly offense for the Wild Card weekend.

This is another team with a banged up offensive line, and it shows big time. John Kuhn sucked up many of the snaps as an extra blocker in the backfield, due to the offensive line not being able to block. The running game was not there, as Eddie Lacy ran for just 34 yards, on 13 carries. James Starks had 24, on eight carries.

Rodgers tried to make a heroic comeback, but turned into Jay Cutler late in the game. James Jones had a 4-102-0 line, on 13 targets. He is definitely the guy I want from Green Bay in the Wild Card round. Richard Rodgers posted a 7-59-1 line, on eight targets.