Fantasy Football Booms and Busts for Week 17

For this last weekend of fantasy football, for those of you that are still alive, here is the Week 17 edition of fantasy booms and busts. It's even more important to know whom to choose with some of the teams already assured of a playoff berth.

Booms

1. Phillip Rivers vs. Denver Broncos

This is the revenge game. After Hochuli's infamous ruling allowed the Broncos to beat San Diego 39-38 in Week Two of the season, San Diego is ready to knock out their division rivals and wrap up the AFC West at an 8-8 record. I know, not impressive. But here's what is impressive: Rivers' stats over the past month. He's been lighting it up, and he'll do the same on Sunday Night. Strong fantasy play.

2. Michael Turner vs. St. Louis Rams

Conventional wisdom says that the Falcons should have a large lead by halftime. With that being the case, look for Atlanta to feed Turner the ball early and often. The big bruiser should eclipse the hundred-yard mark, and should find the end zone.

3. Steve Smith vs. New Orleans Saints

We expect Drew Brees to attempt to reach Dan Marino's single season passing record, and if that happens, the Panthers will need to pass to keep up. Very few CBs match up well with Smith in football, and certainly none on New Orleans. Look for Smith to have a monster game on Sunday in a must-win for Carolina.

Busts

1. Brett Favre vs. Miami Dolphins

Favre and the Jets are imploding at the wrong time. After sprinting out to an 8-3 record and a commanding first place lead in the AFC East, last week's loss, in which Favre was terrible, all but assured that they'll be home for the playoffs. Look for the Dolphins to be very opportunistic in what could be unfavorable weather conditions and force Favre into a few turnovers.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. New England Patriots

Lynch is a bit banged up, and the Patriots are in a must-win situation—not a good formula for a successful afternoon by Marshawn. The Pats also know that stopping the ground game is the key to beating Buffalo, so look for a poor fantasy effort on Sunday from Lynch.

3. Terrell Owens vs. Philadelphia Eagles

T.O. torched Philly last time the two teams met, but it was all in the first half. After that, Eagles' defensive coordinator Jim Johnson made an adjustment that took Owens out of the game. We like him to continue with that game plan in this one and force Romo to look elsewhere.