Sunday's Best

Stars come out when it counts in fantasy playoffs

Torry Holt cruised to his first 200-yard receiving game. Elsa/Getty Images/Allsport

By James Quintong, CNNSI.com

So you've made it to the fantasy Super Bowl or are still in the fantasy playoffs. Certain players definitely got you there after a season of great performances so it should make sense that they would come through when you most need them. If you had a bunch of Rams, you definitely were helped out, so congratulations.

We're coming down to the end of the season, with many leagues coming to a close this year, so hopefully you enjoyed yourself after a sometimes crazy season from a fantasy perspective. For those still playing in Week 17, remember that many top stars won't see as much time because they're resting for the playoffs or giving other players a chance (especially among non-contenders). However, some wackiness from this past week may force many big-name guys to play in the final week.

Top 10 Studs

1. Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams (25 carries, 118 yards, 3 TDs; 7 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD): Last year in Week 16, he scored four touchdowns to secure plenty of fantasy championships. The same can be said this year after having his way with the Colts' defense. He was the No. 1 pick in many fantasy drafts for a reason and he proved it when it counted.

2. Torry Holt, WR, Rams (7 catches, 203 yards, 2 TDs): While Faulk blew people away with his touchdowns, Holt matched him with an amazing 200-yard receiving day. When he got open, it was always for big plays ... which usually means big fantasy points.

3. Kurt Warner, QB, Rams (23-30, 359 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT): On most other days, Warner would lead this list with an effort like he put up. Instead, he gets overshadowed slightly by his teammates. Most people knew this matchup against the Colts was a favorable one. No one knew it would be this easy. Isaac Bruce owners must be disappointed -- he had only 75 receiving yards.

4. Tim Couch, QB, Browns (20-27, 336 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT): He had been a very mediocre fantasy quarterback all year, helped only by all the touchdown passes caught by Kevin Johnson. Sunday, though, he looked like he was back in college, piling up the yards and spreading the ball around to a whole bunch of receivers in rallying Cleveland to the upset victory over the Titans. There may be hope for him yet for next season.

5. Eddie George, RB, Titans (26 carries, 130 yards, 2 TDs, 1 lost fumble; 2 catches, 20 yards): While the above trio of Rams probably led you to the title game, George's play most of the year most likely kept you out. However, if he happened to be going for you this week, he finally played like a first-round pick. Too bad it wasn't enough for the Titans this year or this week.

6. David Boston, WR, Cardinals (7 catches, 127 yards, 2 TDs): After struggling last week, you knew he had to bounce back against a very bad Panthers team. He's been one of the best fantasy receivers all year and, like Faulk, stepped up when it counted.

7. Darrell Jackson, WR, Seahawks (5 catches, 114 yards, 2 TDs): He was Trent Dilfer's favorite target early, catching two long TD passes. Surprisingly, he has five 100-yard receiving games this year en route to his first 1,000-yard season. He's definitely a very underrated wideout.

8. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (21-39, 270 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 6 carries, 48 yards, 1 fumble lost): This was one of those performances that shows exactly how gutty a quarterback can be. Not only did McNabb lead a late rally to tie the game, he then turned it up in the final minute to win the game.

9. Trent Dilfer, QB, Seahawks (14-23, 267 yards, 3 TDs): He just knows how to win, but this time he also put up big numbers to keep Seattle in the playoff race. Having Darrell Jackson and James Williams catch passes helped a bunch.

10. Rich Gannon, QB, Raiders (35-49, 313 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs): Unfortunately, he finished the game with a whimper, but he was nearly perfect and amazingly accurate early on. However, the passing game was the only thing to click for Oakland on Sunday, and that failed down the stretch.

Just missing the cut: Plaxico Burress, WR, Steelers (6 catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs); Curtis Conway, WR, Chargers (11 catches, 156 yards, 1 TD); James Thrash, WR, Eagles (7 catches, 143 yards, 1 TD; 1 carry, 10 yards); Steve McNair, QB, Titans (16-25, 274 yards, 2 TDs; 5 carries, 34 yards); Joey Galloway, WR, Cowboys (6 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD).

Top 5 Surprises

1. Jon Kitna, QB, Bengals (35-68, 411 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT): After the monster year on defense that the Steelers have played, would you have expected them to be lit up by Kitna? I think not. Kitna played amazingly well rallying the Bengals in the fourth quarter and overtime to score the shocker. His play also accounted for huge games by the disappointing Peter Warrick (10 catches, 109 yards) and Darnay Scott (7 catches, 113 yards). For the second week in a row, we've got a 400-yard passer. Who would've believed they would be Chris Chandler and Jon Kitna?

2. Quincy Carter, QB, Cowboys (15-25, 241 yards, 2 TDs; 10 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD): Maybe he is starting to live up to his second-round potential (and that of his early college days). If he continues to play like this, Jerry Jones' decision might actually look good in the future.

3. Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Redskins (15 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs): It's nice to see him finally putting up big numbers years after being the No. 1 overall pick. Granted, most of this came in the fourth quarter as Washington was running out clock, but it's nice to know he can produce when needed.

4. D'Wayne Bates, WR, Bears (4 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD): The former Northwestern star came into the game with just seven career catches for 64 yards over three seasons. But he finally go the opportunity to play, starting in place of Dez White, and he made the most of it. It was surprising enough to see Chicago air it out early and even more to see Bates on the receiving end.

5. Eddie Kennison, WR, Chiefs (6 catches, 121 yards): He was an extreme bust with Denver, so no one expected much when he signed with Kansas City a couple of weeks ago after his short-lived "retirement." Instead, he's gone for 241 yards the past three weeks. Not sure what this means for the future with the Chiefs or some other team, but he's definitely someone to watch next season depending on where he goes.

Top 5 Duds

1. Randy Moss, WR, Vikings (2 catches, 10 yards): With Spergon Wynn at quarterback, it was hard to expect much production from Moss. Still, you didn't expect a performance as pitiful as this in such a crucial game.

2. Joe Horn, WR, Saints (2 catches, 13 yards): After such a horrible start followed by a huge middle of the season, it was a terrible time for Horn and the New Orleans offense to look awful. Aaron Brooks' three interceptions definitely didn't help things as the Saints looked flat after Willie Jackson's TD catch was overturned.

3. Brett Favre, QB, Packers (18-29, 169 yards): Minnesota's defense isn't much to write home about, so it's a bit surprising Favre didn't come away with bigger stats. Then again, the cold weather did keep the offense to a minimum; however, that's of little consolation for Favre owners in such a big game.

4. Garrison Hearst, RB, 49ers (11 carries, 35 yards): Another player that probably lifted a lot of fantasy players to the title game but struggled in a favorable matchup.

5. Keyshawn Johnson, WR, Buccaneers (4 catches, 29 yards): He has just 70 total receiving yards the past two weeks, this after two 100-yard receiving games in a row. Tampa Bay didn't throw for much on Saturday night as Brad Johnson had just 90 yards passing. Keyshawn has struggled at precisely the wrong time for fantasy owners.

James Quintong is Fantasy Sports Producer at CNNSI.com.

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