Ben's Brain: Week 17 - NFL and Survivor picks UPDATED

Week 17 - NFL and Survivor picks UPDATED

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 17 of the NFL season...

UPDATED 11:42 a.m

These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer and Redskins fan who is still trying to figure how both the Cowboys and the Giants can lose...As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com or send tweets to @benstandig. Also, download the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly with guests from the Rotoworld, CBS Sports, NY Time, Sports Illustrated and the National Football Post. Times can vary so download us on ITunes and you won't miss out.

***Biggest advice I can offer this week; look for team and in some cases individual motivation (stats, rushing titles, etc) and note time of games for certain teams in the postseason but still fighting for seed. Home Team in CAPS

PHILADELPHIA 27 (-8) Washington 17: Sounds like LeSean McCoy is going for the rushing title. If the Eagles players want Andy Reid back, they go all out. I think they go all out. UPDATE - McCoy, inactive. Congrats MJD on the rushing title.

ATLANTA 24 Tampa Bay 16 (+10): Looks to me that by the time Falcons play at 4pm, the Lions will have already topped the potentially backup-led Packers and claimed the fifth seed. In that case, the likes of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez could sit. Then again, a Lions loss means the Falcons play it out. For fantasy owners reliant on any of the above stalwarts, make sure you have a viable alternate ready to go. Jason Snelling could dominate the Bucs woeful run defense if Turner sits and Harry Douglas has potential

San Francisco 26 (-10.5) ST. LOUIS 13 : Use your Niners

MINNESOTA 24 (-2) Chicago 20: No Adrian Peterson or Matt Forte, but Toby Gerhart and Kahlil Bell will get the job done.

Detroit 28 (-5) GREEN BAY 20: At least you will know before 1pm whether Aaron Rodgers and company are playing or not. Even if Rodgers were to start, can't imagine he would finish, even the first half.

NEW ORLEANS 28 Carolina 23 (+7): Saints play at the same time as the Niners, both pursuing the number two seed. Only concern with using Drew Brees and company is will they get pulled should the Niners roll early. Pretty much have to use your Saints as you would normally.

Tennessee 20 (-1.5) HOUSTON 17: The Texans are locked in as the No. 3 seed, but need to generate momentum heading into the playoffs. Arian Foster's touches could be less than usual, but enough to warrant using him. UPDATE - Adam Schefter is reporting Ben Tate expected to start for the Texans.

CINCINNATI 17 (+2) Baltimore 16: AFC game of the week. Defenses rule, the Bengals a touch more.

Pittsburgh 24 (-6.5) CLEVELAND 10: Sounds like Big Ben will play, but for how long and how effective?

JACKSONVILLE 24 Indianapolis 21 (+3.5): Nice bottom feeder matchup. Those you might ponder are worth using since both teams - yes, even the Colts - will play this out.

NY Jets 20 (+3) MIAMI 17: No Reggie Bush means Daniel Thomas regains value, if you care.

NEW ENGLAND 34 (-10.5) Buffalo 17: Gronk find end zone.

San Diego 27 (+3) OAKLAND 24 : Norv Turner's likely swan song knocks the Raiders out of the playoffs. I smell a 3-pick day for one Carson Palmer and a 3-TDP day for one Philip Rivers.

DENVER 22 Kansas City 20 (+3): Kyle Orton nearly gets revenge against his former team, Willis McGahee and the Broncos defense pull it out. What's his name comes along for the ride.

ARIZONA 20 (-3) Seattle 16 : Use your players as you normally would. That is all.

NY GIANTS 27 (-3) Dallas 23: Sounds like Tony Romo is playing, same for Felix Jones. If you wait for them, just get those rabbit's feet out and start rubbing...

Last week: Straight (10-6), Spread (8-8); Overall: Straight (139-77), Spread (103-110-4)...

----------------------------------------

Survivor pick...Goes against my using a road team theory, but when you have to break out the "in case of emergency" scenario, you like doing so with lopsided matchups such as San Francisco over hapless St. Louis... Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 - Carolina...Wk. 4 - Tampa Bay...Wk. 5 -NY Giants...Wk. 6 - Pittsburgh...Wk. 7 - New Orleans...Wk. 8 = Baltimore...Wk. 10 - Philadelphia...Wk. 11 - Green Bay...Wk. 12 - Atlanta...Wk. 13 - New England...Wk 14 - NY Jets...Wk.15 Arizona...Wk.16 Tennessee