Matchups to exploit

The Jets ran all over Indianapolis for 202 yards last week, and with the Colts set to rest much of their key personnel, it's likely that Bills RB Fred Jackson will do the same this Sunday. Although Jackson struggled last week, he has been a solid player over the past month and should finish the 2009 campaign well. Don't get overly excited about backfield mate Marshawn Lynch, though, as he might not see a ton of carries.

Denver needs a win (and some help) this Sunday to get into the playoffs, so look for QB Kyle Orton to pick apart a Chiefs "D" that has given up 24 TDs through the air and is allowing 26.7 points per game. He should be busy throwing to WR Brandon Marshall, who had 7-94-1 at K.C. in Week 13 and has the size to dominate their corners. Count on a productive day from this duo.

Starting opposing rushers against the Bills is usually a sure thing, and it shouldn't be much different this week. With the Colts set to rest their stars, including RB Joseph Addai, for most or all of Week 17, rookie RB Donald Brown becomes a very intriguing play. He returned from a chest injury last week to rack up 16 carries, and he should see at least that many Sunday vs. a run "D" that's yielding 165.1 yards per contest. Expect Brown to be solid fantasy plug-in given the circumstances.

Bears QB Jay Cutler had maybe his best outing of 2009 last Monday night vs. a stellar Vikings defense, throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception. He should carry over that success into the season finale at Detroit, which ranks dead last in the league against the pass and has surrendered 31 passing scores. Upstart WR Devin Aromashodu, who had 7-150-1 Monday, is also well worth considering this week.

Matchups to avoid

Dolphins RB Ricky Williams had been tearing up fantasy leagues recently, but a shoulder injury limited him to just 35 yards on 10 carries last week, and now he has to deal with the Steelers. Pittsburgh's stout defensive front wasn't at its best in Week 16, but it has still yielded only six rushing TDs all season, so Williams might not close out the campaign on the best note. Look for other options if possible.

With the Bengals having clinched the AFC North, they don't have much to play for this week against the Jets, whose playoff hopes are on the line. That could spell bad news for QB Carson Palmer as he faces a defense that has surrendered a mere eight passing TDs. It's also a bad matchup for WR Chad Ochocinco, who has the displeasure of taking on shutdown CB Darrelle Revis. Think twice before starting either Bengal.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) finally returned last week, but his impact was minimal, as he gained just 32 yards on nine rushes. If anything, his presence just muddled the backfield picture, as LeSean McCoy saw a mere six carries. None of the Philly backs makes for a good fantasy play this week, as they take on a Cowboys run "D" that ranks in the top five and has surrendered only seven scores on the ground.

Inconsistent Chiefs QB Matt Cassel can't be considered much of a fantasy option at this point, and his receivers might not be great plays this week, either. That's because they face a Denver pass defense that ranks No. 2 in the league, allowing a solid 184.9 yards per contest. Finishing the season against a skilled secondary that could lock them down, WRs Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers are shaky plays at best this Sunday.

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