If you’re reading this, you’ve streamed your way to Championship Week. Let’s get you to your ‘ship, shall we? As always, we’re looking for 50% rostered or less in Yahoo! Leagues.
Washington Football Team (Was, 34%) vs. Car
Washington’s dominant D-line never got to Russell Wilson, as Seattle re-committed to the run game, but the Football Team still held the 4th-highest scoring offense to just 20 points. In fact, no one has put up more than 20 points on Washington in the last five weeks. For Championship week, they welcome a Carolina team that is in the bottom half of the league in scoring and yardage. The Panthers average 22 points per game and give up 2 sacks and 0.8 INTs per game, while the Football Team averages almost 3 sacks and an INT per game.
Houston Texans (Hou, 17%) vs. Cin
The Texans have one of the best matchups of the week, as they host the inept Cincinnati offense. While we were recently reminded of the “any given Sunday” adage thanks to the Week 15 performances of the Jets (who upset the Rams) and the Bengals (who upset the Steelers) even the Jets’ stunning performance netted just 23 points against, and the Bengals needed a colossal flop by Big Ben (who threw an INT to set up a CIN score and managed just 170 yards) to win. Cincinnati still averages below 20 points per game and leads the league in sacks allowed per game (3.5). Even after Cincy’s first win, the Texans are favored by 9 and Vegas thinks the Bengals won’t make it to 20 points.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB, 50%) @ Det
Tampa’s D is just average in points allowed (though only the Drew Brees-led Saints have scored more than 27 points against them), but they’re an elite unit when it comes to big plays. The Bucs are 4th in sacks (39), 8th in forced fumbles (12), and 6th in INTs (14). This week, they face a banged-up Lions team that averages 23.8 points, 2.8 sacks, and 0.8 INTs per game to opposing DSTs. The Lions have allowed 4 or more sacks in six games this season. Tampa Bay is an 8-point favorite, which - if Tom Brady can hold up his end - is a recipe for a sackalicious day.
