Week 16: Who's going to rest?

Many a fantasy owner has suffered the frustration of their star quarterback, running back or other point scoring champ resting right in the midst of fantasy playoffs. New Orleans now has a loss, ending their bid for a perfect season, will Brees and others rest this week? Indianapolis is still perfect this season, will Manning, Addai and Wayne be used sparingly? Other teams are also sure locks for the playoffs. L.T. has been injury plagued of late, maybe he will rest. The worst possible aspect of these planned rests is that coaches do not generally release information and that makes setting your roster difficult. Sean Payton says he will not be resting his starters, but you have to wonder if rest will come their way of this game is anything like their earlier 38-7 win over Tampa Bay this season. I foresee Brees receiving rest in quarters 3 and 4 either on the field by relinquishing to the running game or sitting. The New Orleans backs have an upside, especially Thomas since he is healthy. This week I believe that Peyton Manning will be used to subdue New York, which means some solid drives and a touchdown or two maybe three depending on how New York shows up. If Manning is needed for the win then I see Indy going for the perfect season and using him in a smart fashion, but that does not mean beyond 2 1/2 or 3 quarters if possible. This means Manning makes my list this week. Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne also make the list. Addai will get a reduced workload and split carries with Mike Hart, while Wayne is up against Darrelle Revis this week. L.T. will receive rest periods this week. Sproles is an easy plug and play for L.T. in San Diego's line-up and I see L.T. as a liability on your roster this week. Cincinnati is the third most run heavy offense in the league this season and I see Palmer being relied on much less than Benson. It appears that Favre will play this week versus Chicago, but he is a candidate to receive rest and also blew out Chicago earlier this season. I would look for Adrian Peterson to bounce back this week after his low yardage outing last week and take this game forward on the ground. Favre will be used, but I see him having a decreased role in this outing with a greater focus on the ground attack.

QB Drew Brees, NO

New Orleans has secured home field advantage for the playoffs, but has still held by their statement that they will continue their starters this week. The match-up is excellent in favor of Brees, Thomas, Colston and others, but you have to wonder if Brees might rest or receive less opportunities to throw if they break out to a huge lead reminiscent of their 38-7 victory over Tampa Bay in Week 11. I am looking at Brees from the same vantage point I am looking at Manning; they will be used to make sure the win is imminent and then their teams are sure to entertain the option of rest.

QB Brett Favre, MIN

Favre may look appealing this week after reviewing the match-up and noting that he blew out Chicago 36-10 in Week 1, but I tempt you to sit him. Favre has had controversy surrounding himself and his coach recently and Adrian Peterson will be looking to make Chicago suffer on the ground this week after an outing for short yardage and low points for Peterson last week versus Carolina. My bottom line for Favre is that Minnesota will do what it takes to win, but rest their stars when appropriate. I feel that Favre will see some time on the sidelines in quarters three and four. Chicago just cannot keep pace here and will fall behind.

QB Peyton Manning, IND

If you have Manning then you most likely do not have another quarterback that can score you consistent points. At least I know that is the position I am in this week. I am struggling with the decision to start Manning or gamble elsewhere. As of today, I am leaning toward starting him with the hopes that he throws 2-3 touchdowns for decent yardage, but who knows tomorrow. For this reason, Manning makes the list this week. He could go out early if Indianapolis looks to be dominating play, but on the flip side New York's defense is tough and could stifle a fast start to this game. My bottom line is that if I had another viable option at QB this week I would probably take it.

QB Carson Palmer, CIN

Palmer had a solid outing last week versus San Diego and has had better consistency this season, but is not toward the top of my quarterback list this week. Cincinnati has the league's third ranked run first, pass second offense and this week versus Kansas City Benson and Johnson will have a field day. I am expecting to see Palmer used to secure the win, but that might mean delegating duties to his running backs and passing sparingly. I would consider sitting Palmer this week.

RB Joseph Addai, IND

Joseph Addai has not scored a touchdown in two weeks and has a few things against him this week. He could likely use some rest, may face a situation where Manning is rested and also faces a solid New York defense with Mike Hart stealing carries. My perspective on Addai this week is that he will receive some rest prior to the playoffs. Like it or not, Mike Hart will get more playing time and looks this week. The use of Hart might also throw a loop to the New York offense (which has seen much more footage of Addai than Hart). Look for Addai to sit if you have the option.