Week 16: Deep League Start 'em

Ladies and gentlemen, playoff fantasy football is finally upon us. This is the most important week to date for your title hopes and not having your optimal lineup in could lead to playing for second or third place. Along with most of you, I have taken extra time this week preparing for my many head-to-head battles. Here are eight players to consider for your lineup this week.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF

In a game that will play no part in the playoff picture, the Bills and Falcons' match-up could be a shootout. Both teams expected to be much more competitive this season and both should take out their frustrations on the other. Owning fantasy players in this situation could pay dividends. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has been anything but good lately. The last two weeks, Fitzpatrick has completed just 21 passes for 184 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and two fumbles lost. Fitzpatrick has yet to throw for more than one touchdown pass. I believe this trend will come to an end this week. The Falcons rank 30th against the pass, yielding 254.8 passing yards per game. Last week in the Meadowlands the Falcons were burned by Braylon Edwards on a 65-yard touchdown pass from QB Mark Sanchez. Look for the Bills' offense to exploit this weakness with WR's Lee Evans and Terrell Owens. Expect 250 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns from Fitzpatrick this week in a losing effort.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have been playing extremely well lately and Bradshaw is worthy of consideration if you need a running back this week. We all saw the Giants shred the Washington Redskins' defense on Monday Night Football, winning easily 45-12. Look for that winning trend to continue versus the Carolina Panthers at home this Sunday. Conversely, the Panthers have been playing fairly well lately. They limited Adrian Peterson to just 35 yards rushing last week in prime-time on Sunday Night Football; Peterson was able to score and did finish with 100 all-purpose yards. With the Giants needing to play well to make the playoffs, I believe Ahmad Bradshaw steps up this week; expect 80 all-purpose yards and another touchdown.

RB Jason Snelling, ATL

Although Atlanta Falcons starting RB Michael Turner returned from injury versus the New York Jets week 15, he was only able to gain seven rushing yards before re-aggravating his right ankle injury. Back-up RB Jerious Norwood has not been able to answer the call, rushing for just 55 yards the last two games. Enter Jason Snelling. Snelling has been the Falcons' most consistent starting running back this season. In the two games that Snelling received 18 carries or more, he accumulated 182 total yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons figure to give 25+ carries to Snelling with the Buffalo Bills coming in. To date, the Bills rank dead last in rush defense, yielding 165.6 yards per game. Expect 150 all-purpose yards and at least one touchdown from Snelling.

WR Danny Amendola, STL

This may be the 5th time I have recommended to start Danny Amendola, but as the season has progressed, Amendola has improved as a football player. During the last three games, Amendola has rushed the ball, caught the ball, returned kicks and returned punts; in PPR leagues, this is very valuable. This week, Amendola and the St. Louis Rams play at Arizona and do not stand a chance. Expect 200 all-purpose yards -- and if the Rams can muster up a touchdown, Amendola will score it if Stephen Jackson does not.

WR Braylon Edwards, NYJ

With the New York Jets traveling to play the mysterious Indianapolis Colts this week, WR Braylon Edwards could be in-line to have a monster game. I believe if the Colts rest their players, Edwards will not be stopped. If the Colts do not rest their players, the Jets are probably going to be playing from behind and will need to pass the ball a lot to stay in the game. Expect Edwards to do his best Brandon Marshall impression as the Jets will do their best to play spoiler. Anything less than 6 catches for 80 yards would be baffling.