Fantasy File

Keeping tabs on dinged-up players for the stretch run

Daunte Culpepper AP

By James Quintong, CNNSI.com

For many fantasy football leagues, this is the final week of the regular season, so it's time to gear up for the playoff hunt. It's at this time where you go with your top players and not worry too much about matchups. You'll eventually second-guess yourself if you try to play the matchups too much with middle-tier players.

As mentioned in Sunday's Best, there are a handful of healthy and productive players that are must-starts down the stretch no matter what matchup. However, a number of top stars are either hurt or disappointing, which will make things a little dicey when it comes to making out lineups. In lieu of an injury report, let's take a look at the health of some "must start" candidates and what to expect down the stretch.

Quarterbacks
Mark Brunell, Jaguars: He still has that quad injury and he lacerated his finger last week, but he's playing through pain. He's not necessarily a "must start," but his value is increasing by the week because Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell are playing well while the running backs are not.

Daunte Culpepper, Vikings: His last-second benching with a knee injury probably turned the tide in a number of fantasy leagues this week, although those who gambled on Todd Bouman were rewarded nicely. Culpepper is probable for this weekend's game against Detroit and should start, although coach Dennis Green will probably draw this out again. Culpepper will likely not be able to run around as much as he used to, but with upcoming games against Detroit and Jacksonville, he should do fine.

Brian Griese, Broncos: He was knocked out of Sunday night's game after getting hit in the head to start the second half. Gus Frerotte came in and was very average, so I wouldn't get too caught up with a quarterback controversy. Griese looks to have Rod Smith healthy for the rest of the year, but he's still looking for that solid second target.

Running backs
Shaun Alexander, Seahawks: We know he's healthy, but so is Ricky Watters, which doesn't look to be a good thing for either player. Both backs were getting shuttled in and out constantly on Sunday night and neither could develop a groove. Mike Holmgren said he will go with one back for the rest of the season, but has yet to make that decision.

Jerome Bettis, Steelers: The duo of Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala and Amos Zereoue was only average against an improving Jets defense. Bettis is still dinged up but expects to play Sunday in a big matchup against the Ravens. After the Ravens, the Steelers have the Lions, Bengals and Browns to round out the season -- all great matchups.

Eddie George, Titans: He's still suffering from a variety of injuries, but he had his best game of the year (96 yards, 1 TD) on Sunday. That's a pretty sad statement on George's season. With Green Bay, Oakland, Cleveland and Pittsburgh left, who knows what to expect? That Oakland game could play an important part in many fantasy playoff games.

Maurice Smith, Falcons: After playing well in his first few games filling in for Jamal Anderson, he has been slowed down by a knee injury and has rushed for just 130 yards over the past four weeks. Atlanta could be looking at a committee system, especially with Bob Christian coming along, so Smith's value is pretty low at this point.

Fred Taylor, Jaguars: It still doesn't look like he's coming back. Figured I'd leave this one in here for all the Taylor owners still seething about picking him while knowing the risks. Unfortunately, players like Stacey Mack and Elvis Joseph have been very mediocre.

Wide receivers
Terrell Owens, 49ers: He definitely wasn't himself on Sunday against the Rams as a hip injury slowed him down. He did play with the injury but the spring in his step wasn't there. However, Owens is a gamer, so you know he'll be itching to bounce back on Sunday against the Dolphins.

Rod Smith, Broncos: He did play on those gimpy ankles Sunday night and had an adequate game. He'll probably be slowed a bit as the season winds down, but Denver needs his presence in the lineup big time. Smith will get a few more shorter passes, and those long passes or long runs after catches will be a bit limited.

Tight ends
David Sloan, Lions: He's got a balky knee, and despite the fact he's scored four TDs, it's hard to recommend him as he's a feast or famine type of tight end.

Wesley Walls, Panthers: He played for part of Sunday's game against the Bills but a bum ankle sidelined him for most of the contest. The upcoming bye week will help him heal up, and most of his owners probably had to find a replacement for him for this week anyway.

Kickers
Mike Vanderjagt, Colts: He hit both of his field-goal attempts on Monday night despite a strained back. He could be limited on longer field goals, but for now, he looks good to go.

Monday's Best

Jay Fiedler, QB, Dolphins (18-26, 191 yards, 3 TDs; 1 carry, 9 yards, 1 TD): He spread the ball around nicely but limiting the production of his receivers, although rookie Chris Chambers scored another pair of TDs. Fiedler wasn't pressed to make a lot of plays, but he did plenty when he needed to. The four total touchdowns was a nice touch.

Monday's Worst

Peyton Manning, QB, Colts (19-32, 173 yards, 3 INTs): When it rains, it pours for Manning. A lot of bounces went the wrong way, leading to at least two of his picks. The only suspense was if he any of his interceptions would be returned for a touchdown.

Bye week watch

This week the Panthers take a break from their sorry season. It gives tight end Wesley Walls time to recover from an ankle injury, and you'll have to keep the inconsistent Muhsin Muhammad on the bench. If you're relying on players like Chris Weinke and Richard Huntley to carry your team, you're probably not in the playoff chase.

James Quintong is Fantasy Sports producer at CNNSI.com.

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Fantasy File: Everybody's getting hurt Back Page: 2001 Third Quarter Fantasy awards Sunday's Best: Week 13
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