Treasure: Larry Johnson
It’s always a tricky task if your league extends into Week 17, when players resting for the playoffs are unavailable for your fantasy title game. My advice: Can your commissioner. But Sunday wasn’t really all that bad, with many teams angling for higher seeds or a spot in the dance. The Chiefs’ LJ sure came to play, rumbling for 138 yards and three scores. Johnson is a flat-out workhorse, finishing with 1,789 yards on an NFL-record 416 carries. But will his legs be tired for 2007? The Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson did more–a lot more–with less effort.
Off course: Rudi Johnson
This Bengal was somewhat of a bummer this season. Sure, his stats measure up to the last two seasons (1,309 yards, 12 TDs), but he ran awfully hot and cold. Against the Steelers, for example, he ran for a mere 47 yards and ended a three-game TD streak. The problem? The Bungles aren’t getting him his carries; he had only 13 Sunday. But it’s easy for Cincinnati to overlook Johnson when they have Carson Palmer dealing to three deep-threat receivers. Remember that when you’re putting together your 2007 draft board.
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Shipwreck: Rex Grossman
Do you still think Grossman was overlooked for the Pro Bowl? His line: 2 of 12 for 33 yards and three picks. Are you kidding me? This should have been a nice little tuneup for the postseason. The Saints had the right idea: Drew Brees completed 4 of 5 passes, then grabbed some bench. Heck, even Vinny Testaverde managed to toss a touchdown pass. Grossman had a nice little streak going: 5 TDs vs. 0 INTs in the previous three games. Now the Bears are going to have to send a search party for his confidence.