"Welcome to the 17th and final installment of our weekly look at fantasy's most aggravating subject, the Running Back Committee. The phrase "resting for the playoffs" is about to rear its ugly head.
COMMITTEES (12)
Atlanta Falcons
Options: Michael Turner, Jason Snelling, Jacquizz Rodgers
Outlook: If the Lions beat the Packers in their 1 p.m. ET game, the Falcons will be locked into the No. 6 seed in the NFC. In that case, the smart money will be on them limiting Turner's workload, or resting him altogether. Rodgers has 69 touches this season (49 rushes, 20 receptions), while Snelling has 60 (35-25). I'd bet on some sort of timeshare between the two, but since the Falcons' need-to-win status won't be known until close to 4 p.m., it will be hard to put either Rodgers or Snelling in your lineup. How's this: If you own Turner, pick up Snelling. Then, if the Lions win, get Snelling in for Turner. I hope you have better alternatives, but you might not.
Carolina Panthers
Options: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart
Outlook: Williams and Stewart had seven carries apiece against the Bucs, and while Stewart outgained his teammate by an 88-66 margin, Williams scored twice to earn far more fantasy value. Keep in mind that the Bucs are terrible against the run, while the Saints are closer to mediocre. Do you want to start a guy against a decent defense if he's going to get less than 10 carries? Hmm ...
Detroit Lions
Options: Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris, Keiland Williams
Outlook: Smith re-established himself as a useful fantasy back against the Chargers in Week 16, running 15 times for 49 yards and a score, and catching two passes for 12 yards and another touchdown. If you own Smith, he's pretty much a must-start against the Pack.
Green Bay Packers
Options: James Starks, Ryan Grant, John Kuhn, Brandon Saine
Outlook: We'll have a better idea about the Packers' plans later this week, but with the NFC's top seed locked up, we could be looking at some full-scale benchings against the Lions. I'm going to put my early bet on at least 12 carries for Saine, so examine your free-agent wire accordingly. Starks' ankle is apparently bothering him again, so he's the most likely Packer back to take a seat."
