Well if last week wasn’t your league championship, this week surly is. If you are in the championship, congratulations and I wish you the best of luck! Here are some receivers you may consider sitting on the bench for your final game of the season.
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Some breaking news came in this week and quarterback Tony Romo has a strong chance of missing the rest of the season with a back injury. With that being said, the chances of the Cowboys offensive production will decrease dramatically. Kyle Orton has not been under center at all this season and will likely be out of rhythm with all of his receivers. This makes the production of the receivers much less and it starts with Bryant. This week the Cowboys are hosting the Eagles to battle for the NFC championship. Without Romo the Cowboys chances of winning greatly diminish and Bryant will most likely be held in check and putting an end to his touchdown streak. If room decides to play through the pain then Bryant is a must start. If Romo is out, do the same with Bryant in your lineup.
Projection: Four receptions, 68 yards, zero touchdowns
Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson has not caught a touchdown since Week 10 against the Cardinals. With absolutely nothing to play for but pride, the Texans travel to Tennessee to play the Titans who are also playing for nothing but pride.
Earlier this year when these teams first met back in Week 2, Johnson was held to just eight fantasy points in standard leagues and was also the last time that the Texans won a football game.
The Titans defense has only surrendered six touchdown catches to opposing receivers all season so it will be difficult for Johnson to reach the end zone.
In the final game of the season I would expect him to keep his scoring streak going and only have a few catches.
Projection: Five receptions, 80 yards, zero touchdowns
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Believe it or not, the Packers are still alive to win the NFC North and make the playoffs. They will battle in Chicago against the Bears for the division title. Nelson’s role was kept to a minimum last week against the Steelers and only has three catches for 46 yards. Aaron Rodgers is still out with the collarbone injury and no one knows whether or not he will play in the regular season finale. Matt Flynn has been playing well as the backup but it hasn’t done well for Nelson’s production. Nelson is in a similar situation as Dez Bryant where it depends if he is worth starting because of which quarterback is under center. Be prepared for Rodgers to sit out once again and Nelson to have another poor performance due to his starter being out.
Projection: Four receptions, 49 yards, zero touchdowns
Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
Floyd has seen his fair share of receptions all season except for the past few weeks. Since Week 12, his number of receptions has decreased almost every week.
Although he did have a touchdown last week against a tough Seahawks defense, it was his only catch of the game. It also doesn’t help when his quarterback Carson Palmer is throwing interceptions left and right.
This week he is up against another tough defense in the 49ers and will be playing for a playoff spot if the Saints happen to lose this week. If Palmer gets wild again and throws it to the opposing team some more, Floyd will likely have another slow week.
Keep in mind though that Floyd is always capable of receiving a touchdown at any time. There are plenty of other options this week that you can have start besides Floyd so make sure you find that perfect matchup.
Projection: Two receptions 40 yards, zero touchdowns
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton and the Colts offense have not been themselves since the departure of Reggie Wayne due to injury. Hilton hasn’t seen the end zone since Week 9 and is averaging 4.6 points per game since then in standard scoring leagues. The Colts really have nothing to play for except for seeding if the Bengals happen to lose their final game of the season. This means that there is a good chance that the starters will see some rest in the second half of this final game. Even if the Colts were playing for a playoff spot, I wouldn’t consider starting Hilton because of his lack of production and the fact that he had an awful game the last time he was up against the Jaguars.
Projection: Four receptions, 50 yards, zero touchdowns