FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week Sixteen Starters

Finally, after months and months of anticipation, the Super Bowl in Fantasy Football is finally here. If you were good enough to make it this far, you had a very successful season. Here now is a look at some of the best players to start this weekend, as well as some sleeper picks who could help you win your Super Bowl.

QUARTERBACKS-

1. Daunte Culpepper- This weekend, Daunte Culpepper and the Minnesota Vikings play host to the Green Bay Packers. Last weekend, the Vikings lost to the St. Louis Rams and were unable to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. That shouldn’t be a problem this weekend for Culpepper and the Vikings. Leading the way for the Vikings will be Culpepper, as he should once again post very good numbers in this game. Look for Culpepper to top the 300 yard passing mark with at least two touchdown passes.

2. Kurt Warner- Last weekend, we finally saw the Kurt Warner of old. Even though he didn’t even throw a touchdown pass, Warner still moved the ball in the air with ease. That might be a little more difficult this Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be a huge test for Warner and the Rams. With the Rams’ playoff hopes left in the balance in this game, look for Warner to shine on Monday night. Look for Warner to have around 275 yards passing and at least two scores.

Other Quality Starters-

Jeff Garcia vs. Chicago Mark Brunell vs. Cincinnati Peyton Manning vs. Miami

Sleeper of the Week-

Cade McNown- A good sleeper pick at the quarterback position this weekend could be Cade McNown. McNown, coming off of a shoulder injury, goes to San Francisco to face the 49ers. The 49ers have a horrendous pass defense, so McNown could put up decent numbers in this game. If you are looking for a decent sleeper this weekend, McNown could be the answer. Look for McNown to throw for around 225 yards and at least one score.

RUNNING BACKS-

1. Marshall Faulk- What a game Marshall Faulk had last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, Faulk set a team record by rushing for four touchdowns. This weekend, Faulk has a much tougher task, as he has to run against one of the best defenses in the NFL. However, it finally looks like Faulks’ injured knee is back to 100 %, which could mean bad news for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Look for Faulk to once again have a good game, as he should have around 125 yards total and two scores.

2. Edgerrin James- Last Monday night, Edgerrin James and the Indianapolis Colts kept their playoff hopes alive with a win against the Buffalo Bills. Leading the way in that game was Edgerrin James. James once again broke the 100-yard rushing mark and had three touchdowns. This weekend, James and the Colts go to Miami to play the Dolphins. This is a huge game for the Colts, as they need a win to keep their slim playoff chances alive. Look for James to put up decent numbers in this game, as he should have close to 100 yards rushing and at least one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Jamal Lewis vs. Arizona Fred Taylor vs. Cincinnati Eddie George vs. Cleveland

Sleeper of the Week-

Warrick Dunn- With the possibility of Mike Alstott coming back this Monday night, Warrick Dunn could put up some decent numbers in this game. The Buccaneers will look to come out running in this game, as they do not want to get involved in a shoot-out with the Rams. Look for the Bucs to use the clock to their advantage by running the ball a lot in this game. The more time the Bucs’ offense is on the field, the better the chances are that they could win. Look for Dunn to get a lot of work in this game, as he should have around 80 yards rushing and one score.

WIDE RECEIVERS-

1. Randy Moss- The best starting wide receiver this weekend looks to be Randy Moss. Moss and the Minnesota Vikings play host to the Green Bay Packers. Besides the Dallas Cowboys, Moss has some of his best games against the Green Bay Packers. This weekend should be no different, as the Minnesota Vikings look to wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs this weekend. Look for Moss to have around 125 yards receiving and at least one score.

2. Jimmy Smith- This weekend, Smith and the Jacksonville Jaguars go to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. This should be a cakewalk for the Jags, as all of the primary offensive players should have big games. Look for Smith to have over 100 yards receiving and at least one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Terrell Owens vs. Chicago Marvin Harrison vs. Miami Cris Carter vs. Green Bay

Sleeper of the Week-

Jerry Rice- This weekend, one of the best all-time San Francisco 49ers players will be playing his final home game. At the end of the season, Jerry Rice will either retire or move on to another team. This will be a very emotional game for Rice, as well as teammates, coaches and fans. Look for Rice to have a lot of passes thrown his way in this game, as he should have a solid game for the 49ers. Look for Rice to have around 75 yards receiving and at least one score.

TIGHT ENDS-

1. Frank Wycheck- This weekend, Wycheck and the Tennessee Titans head to Cleveland to play the Browns. With both Steve McNair and Eddie George a little banged up, Wycheck could get a lot of work in this game. Look for Wycheck to have close to 60 yards receiving and at least one score.

2. Tony Gonzalez- Another quality starter at tight end this weekend is Tony Gonzalez playing against the Denver Broncos. Gonzalez should once again have a solid game. The Broncos’ defense is pretty good, however Gonzalez will still get close to 60 yards receiving and one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Shannon Sharpe vs. Arizona Jay Riemersma vs. New England Kyle Brady vs. Cincinnati

Sleeper of the Week-

Pete Mitchell- This Sunday night, the Giants play the hated Dallas Cowboys. This is a huge game for the Giants, because if they win they win the NFC East. Anything can happen in this game. If you need a tight end, Mitchell could be worth a shot.

DEFENSES AND SPECIAL TEAMS-

1. Baltimore- The Ravens’ defense will eat the Arizona Cardinals up. This will get ugly.

2. Tennessee- The Titans go to Cleveland to play the Browns. How many points do you think the Browns will score? My guess: under 14.

Other Quality Starters-

New Orleans vs. Atlanta Jacksonville vs. Cincinnati NY Giants vs. Dallas

Sleeper of the Week-

St. Louis- Yes, you heard it hear first. Bud Carson has turned this defense around and they are playing much better each week. Good things will happen to the Rams’ defense this week.