Sitting And Starting: Whose In and Whose Out

At the moment the NFL is in a bit of a frenzy.  Players and coaches are having squabbles over who should sit and who should start, and at the same time are trying to motivate their team to have momentum going into the playoffs.

Numerous shoe in teams for the postseason have listed who they are going to start and who is going to have the week off.

So far the standouts are as follows.

Drew Brees

Coach Sean Payton has decided to let number nine take the week off.  He may play for a few snaps during their upcoming fixture against the Panthers, but there is no need for him to play the entire game. 

For all the Saints fans out there, they should take this as good news.  If the inevitable happens and the Saints do lose to the Panthers this weekend, they can at least rest assured knowing that their prized quarterback is fit and healthy.

Michael Vick

Although the Eagles are looking like they are going to play the majority of their starters, Eagles fans will be glad to know that Michael Vick is set to backup McNabb in their away game next week against Dallas. 

Andy Reid is a smart coach.  Don't be surprised if he takes McNabb out for at least a play in every drive to give Vick some decent playing time.  If the Eagles get blown out early, expect Reid and Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to take a precautionary measure and sit McNabb out. 

Just like Drew Brees, there is no need to risk anything.  Michael Vick is a great backup to have, and I think I speak for Eagles when saying that the game could still be won quite easily with Vick under centre.

Troy Polamalu

This decision is still on the cards.  The Steelers have spoken about resting Polamalu for  their final game of the season against the Dolphins next week.  Troy is still not 100%, and has barely practiced all week.

This shouldn't hurt the Steelers chances however.  They've done well enough without him all season, and the Dolphins are lacking the explosive gene they once had in their offense.  Another bonus that Steeler fans should count their blessing for is the fact that Dolphins running back Ricky Williams is listed questionable for the game.  Without Williams, the loss of Polamalu is not such a big deal.

Adam Vinatieri

Out with a knee injury, Adam Vinatieri is doubted to play next week in Buffalo.  With the plane already left well and truly for Ralph Wilson Stadium, Vinatieri and six other Colts players are staying home. 

Not a meaningful loss at all for Indianapolis.  Although they could have their hands full with the Bills, as they are struggling to fill the required number of players to play on Sunday. 

The Bills have something to prove next week, and will no doubt be going hard out in doing so.  Without a great kicker like Vinatieri in the lineup, the Bills may just steal one.  We'll have to wait and see though.

Matt Willis

I wouldn't blame you if you haven't heard of him.  I hadn't at first either.  With the big story still brewing with Brandon Marshall in Denver, Eddie Royal is also unlikely to play on Sunday.

The Broncos therefore called up Matt Willis from their practice squad to fill the void.  Tight end Tony Scheffler has also been benched by Josh McDaniels along with Brandon Marshall, so the Broncos are definitely short in terms of receivers this Sunday.

Matt Willis catches his big break amongst all the chaos.  Let's see if he can make a statement.