Start ’em, Sit ’em: Believe in Luck
New Texan Jonathan Grimes could be thrust right into the fire. (Troy Taormina-US Presswire)
If you haven’t already won your league title, then this is it, your last chance to be crowned champion. You know what’s at stake, so we won’t bore you with any pep talks — let’s just get right down to business. Here are your final Sit ’em, Start ’em picks for the 2013 season.
Start ’em
Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts vs JAC: Luck has been pretty hit or miss this year, but we like his in Week 17. Despite the Jaguars’ admirable effort down the final stretch, they have never been particularly good against opposing QBs, leaving plenty of room for him to take advantage of a depleted secondary that’s miles out of playoff contention. So expect Luck to be a hit this weekend — especially if he took Matt Hague up on his Christmas gift offer (see video below).
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions @ MIN: A game with two teams out of the playoffs doesn’t inspire much confidence in terms of final game fireworks, but after several poor showings by Stafford we have to believe that he doesn’t want to leave that image in the minds of fans, coaches or management. Considering the Vikings have one of the league’s worst defenses (especially against the pass), it gives Stafford a great opportunity to end things on a high note.
Jonathan Grimes, RB, Houston Texans @ TEN: What does poor QB play and injury after injury in get you in Houston? Jonathan Grimes, that’s what. Now, of course, if you have a solid option in place, there’s no need to switch, but with injuries and more key players looking to avoid them you may be in the need of a running back in a pinch. When most players are looking for reasons to keep putting forth an effort, Grimes has the best reason of them all… a job.
Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers @ CHI: Reports suggest that Lacy’s ankles are still a bit tender, but to take an already effective running back and put him back with an elite QB that defensive coordinators have to take seriously in Aaron Rodgers, seems like a pretty good bet.
Miami Dolphins Defense vs NYJ: We’re going this way for two main reasons: (a) a receiver corps so weak they’re not even worth talking about (when was the last time we went weeks without having to talk about a Jets side show?); and (b) Geno Smith.
Sit ’em
Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers vs KC: The last time these teams played, Philip Rivers had quite a day. We doubt it goes as smooth this time around, plus the Chiefs are great against opposing tight ends. So we’d give Gates the day off.
Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals vs SF: Palmer got shut down pretty badly In Week 16 and we see that continuing against the 49ers. With 20-plus INTs on the year, he is bound to give up a few turnovers.
Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans @ TEN: The Titans are already great against receivers, but when you pair that with the QB carousel that’s going on in Texas, you get what looks like a sit to us.
Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons @ CAR: White had a huge game in Week 16, so we can see why it would make sense to ride him, but this Carolina team seems extremely focused and its defense is playing inspired. If you don’t absolutely have to play him, don’t.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs CLE: We’ve mentioned before that we would prefer to stay away from division rivalry games because of their unpredictability, but in this case we think it will work in our favour. The Steelers like to bring their safeties into the box, which normally works pretty well, but with speedsters like Josh Gordon pushing the top off the defense, it leaves for a lot of one-on-one match-ups.
Now it’s your. Let us know in the comments below who you plan to sit and start in Week 17.
