SB Nation Atlanta - NFL Week 16 Scores: Christmas Weekend Features Falcons-Saints, Jets-Bears, Giants-Packershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2010-12-26T19:57:50-05:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/16542752010-12-26T19:57:50-05:002010-12-26T19:57:50-05:00NFL Week 16 Scores: Packers Roll Over Giants 45-17, Control Playoff Destiny
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<p>For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, the return of <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> brought good tidings of comfort and joy as they dismantled the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, 45-17 in Lambeau Field. Rodgers threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns one week after sitting out due to a concussion suffered in Week 14. <br><br>The Packers defense, burned twice earlier in the game, harassed the Giants and forced six turnovers on the day. <span>Eli Manning</span> threw for 301 yards and two scores but his four interceptions proved too much to overcome. <br><br>The Giants were once in the driver's seat for the division title but after two straight bad losses, they now find themselves needed some help to reach the postseason. For the Packers, their path is more cut-and-dry. Win next against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> and they're in. The Bears will be playing for a first round bye unless the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> Tuesday night. <br><br>For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> fans hoping to avoid the Eagles in the playoffs, here's our cheering scenario: Vikings beat the Eagles Tuesday night. This means the Bears clinch a first-round bye and rest their starters against the Packers. The Packers make the playoffs and play in Philly instead of the Giants. I am much more confident the Packers could win in Philly, than I am of the Giants chances.</p>
<p>For more Giants visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigblueview.com/">Big Blue View</a> and for more Packers visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Acme Packing Company.</a></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1897481/nfl-week-16-scores-packers-roll-over-giants-45-17-control-playoffTroy Heinzman2010-12-26T19:43:40-05:002010-12-26T19:43:40-05:00NFL Week 16 Scores: Buccaneers Crush Seahawks 38-15, Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a dominating 38-15 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>. The Bucs controlled the game from opening kickoff until the final gun thanks, in large part, to their big three on offense. <span>LeGarrette Blount</span> pounded the Seahawks for 164 yards on 18 carries while <span>Josh Freeman</span> threw a career-high five touchdown passes and accounted for 260 yards of total offense. The rookie receiver, Mike Williams, also added two touchdown passes for good measure. <br><br>The win, though impressive, doesn't change the Bucs playoff picture all that much. They'll still need to beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in the Superdome next week and hope for some help from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>. <br><br>The Seahawks, despite their 6-9 record, will still clinch the NFC West and earn a home playoff game with a victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> in Week 17.</p>
<p>For more Seahawks visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/">Field Gulls</a> or for more Bucs visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bucsnation.com/">Bucs Nation.</a></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1897455/nfl-week-16-scores-buccaneers-crush-seahawks-38-15-keep-slim-playoffTroy Heinzman2010-12-26T16:49:57-05:002010-12-26T16:49:57-05:00NFL Week 16 Scores: Rams Beat 49ers 25-17, Will Play For NFC West Crown
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> kept their division title hopes alive and improved to 7-8 with a 25-17 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. The loss eliminated the 49ers from playoff contention and all but extinguished any hope Mike Singletary had of returning as head coach.</p>
<p>The Rams got a terrific performance from rookie <span>Sam Bradford</span> and a solid effort from their defense to preserve the victory. Bradford finished with 292 yards passing and one touchdown while the defense forced four turnovers.</p>
<p>Regardless of the outcome of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> game today, the NFC West crown will be decided in Week 17 between the Seahawks and Rams at Qwest Field. The Rams beat the Seahawks earlier this season, 20-3 but a Seahawks win would still give them the division crown even if they lose today. Yes, a 7-9 team in the playoffs is still a possibility. The NFC West winner will likely face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in the first round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>For more Rams visit <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/" target="new">Turf Show Times</a> and for more 49ers visit <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/" target="new">Niners Nation.</a></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1897171/nfl-week-16-scores-rams-49ers-nfc-west-atlanta-falcons-new-orleans-saintsTroy Heinzman2010-12-26T16:30:33-05:002010-12-26T16:30:33-05:00NFL Week 16 Scores: Bears Drop Jets, 38-34, Can Clinch First Round Bye With Help
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> withstood a 24-point second quarter by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> to win their 11th game, 38-34, and stay on track for a first round bye in the NFC Playoffs. The Bears trailed 21-10 in the second quarter before <span>Jay Cutler</span>'s four touchdowns - three passing, one running - brought the Bears back in snowy Chicago. The eventual game-winner was a 26-yard strike to <span>Johnny Knox</span> with 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. It was Knox's second touchdown of the day and Cutler's fourth and final.<br><br>The win by the Bears means they could clinch a first round bye if they get some help. They need the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> to lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> to lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> in order to ensure they would be playing at home until the NFC title game. <br><br>This Bears win is terrific news for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> fan who want to avoid <span>Michael Vick</span> and Philadelphia Eagles. Forcing the Eagles to play in the wild card round could keep the Falcons from ever facing them in the playoffs. Now, we root for the Vikings and Packers.</p>
<p>For more Bears visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Windy City Gridiron</a> and for more Jets visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ganggreennation.com/">Gang Green Nation.</a></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1897147/nfl-week-16-scores-bears-jets-michael-vick-atlanta-falconsTroy Heinzman2010-12-26T12:36:11-05:002010-12-26T12:36:11-05:00NFL Schedule: Vikings-Eagles Postponed To Tuesday Night Due To Blizzard In Philadelphia
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<p>SB Nation <span class="caps">NFL</span> has been paying attention all morning to the possibility of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/12/26/1896671/eagles-vs-vikings-nfl-postponement-blizzard-conditions">a postponement of tonight’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings</a> due to weather, and it looks like the game will indeed be played later. Fox Sports’ Adam Caplan <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/statuses/19080007880019968">reports</a> the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> have announced they’ll play Tuesday night at 8 p.m.</p>
<p>It’s not just snowing in Atlanta, folks. Much of the east coast is dealing with a full-on blizzard. While the <span class="caps">NFL</span> enjoys the TV money a good snowy game can rake in, asking players, staff, and fans to show up in blizzard conditions is too much. For the third week in a row, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> will have their schedule altered due to weather.</p>
<p>The game could’ve been moved to Monday night, but NBC’s broadcasting rights <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/12/26/1896671/eagles-vs-vikings-nfl-postponement-blizzard-conditions?show_comments=true">became an issue</a>, since Eagles-Vikings would’ve had to compete with the more meaningful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> game on <span class="caps">ESPN</span>.</p>
<p>For Falcons fans, such as myself, who’d prefer to avoid the Eagles in the playoffs, this game could have one pleasant effect. The Eagles need to win next week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> to ensure themselves of home field advantage. Playing Tuesday night, they’ll have an extremely short week of practice, while the Cowboys have an extra day to prepare after playing Christmas night.</p>
<p><em>For more on this game, visit <a href="http://dailynorseman.com">Daily Norseman</a> and <a href="http://bleedinggreennation.com">Bleeding Green Nation</a>.</em></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1896792/nfl-schedule-eagles-vikings-postponed-tuesday-night-blizzardJason Kirk2010-12-26T12:10:18-05:002010-12-26T12:10:18-05:00NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Edition
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<p>The championship is moments away. You've drafted, acquired and traded for the ultimate team to lead you to fantasy glory. The time is now. Every decision is amplified. Every result, dissected. With two games in the books and 14 more to go, I offer a last-chance checklist of four players I think could win your championship and four that may lose it. Obviously, I stick to the mantra of "start your studs" and I believe you "dance with the on that brought ya" so now is not the time to over-think it. Still, if you're struggling for last-minute lineup decisions, behold the Start 'Em, Sit 'Em list.</p>
<h4>Start 'Em<br>
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<p><b>QB <span>Tim Tebow</span></b> - In his first NFL start, he threw for 138 yards and one touchdown and added 78 yards on the ground and another score against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>. Now, he gets the worst defense against quarterbacks in fantasy in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>. You may have better options but Tebow should deliver another solid performance.</p>
<p><b>RB <span>Arian Foster</span></b> - Foster has been the MVP of fantasy football and led many teams to the championship game. This is no time to sit him. He faces the worst run defense in fantasy and last week was the only the second time this season he failed to reach 69 yards rushing. Look for a huge bounce-back against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>.</p>
<p><b>WR <span>Brandon Lloyd</span></b> - The Texans-Broncos is turning into the game of the week for fantasy football. Lloyd is the third player so far I've picked as a Start 'Em. Any worries about Lloyd's value when Tebow took over were put to rest with his 4-79-1 effort last Sunday. Lloyd is in the midst of a magical season and you can't afford to bench him now.</p>
<p><b>TE <span>Visanthe Shiancoe</span></b> - This is a stretch, I know. Shiancoe hasn't done much all season but with <span>Joe Webb</span> in last week, Shiancoe caught six passes and was a key target for the young quarterback. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> have the worst fantasy defense against opposing tight ends and Shiancoe stands a great chance to finish with about 50 yards and perhaps a score. <i>UPDATE: Keep an eye on the weather report as severe wind/snow could hamper Shiancoe's value. UPDATE 2: With the game</i><a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1896792/nfl-schedule-eagles-vikings-postponed-tuesday-night-blizzard"> postponed until Tuesday</a><i>, the weather hopefully won't play as big a factor.<br></i></p>
<h4>Sit 'Em<br>
</h4>
<p><b>QB <span>Carson Palmer</span></b> - Palmer hasn't thrown more than one touchdown pass in four straight games and has five interceptions in that span. He's without <span>Terrell Owens</span> and faces the best pass defense in fantasy with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in town. You probably weren't playing him anyway, but keep him on your bench.</p>
<p><b>RB <span>Matt Forte</span></b> - Forte had a solid game last week against Minnesota but he's not involved in the offense enough to be a consistently solid play. There's a chance he makes enough catches in a PPR to make it worthwhile but he hasn't run the ball well enough. Mix in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> defense and Forte is better left riding the pine.</p>
<p><b>WR <span>Roddy White</span></b> - Chances are you're not benching White but for argument's sake, here's why you should consider it. He's failed to reach 100 yards receiving in five straight weeks, he's scored only one touchdown since Week 10 and he managed only 69 yards the last time he faced the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> in Week 3. Also, <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/22/1891730/roddy-whites-twitter-trash-talk-sends-saints-falcons-to-defcon-1">White ignited a Twitter war this week so </a>all eyes will be on him Monday Night. He's talented enough to overcome it but if you start him, you may need to adjust your expectations.</p>
<p><b>TE <span>Vernon Davis</span></b> - After scoring in two straight, Davis returned to Earth with a clunker (one catch, four yards) against the Chargers. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> have only allowed three touchdowns to opposing tight ends and haven't allowed more than 60 yards in five straight weeks. Add to that the return of <span>Troy Smith</span> to the lineup and there's too much uncertainty around Davis to be trusting him in your fantasy playoffs.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/26/1896731/nfl-week-16-fantasy-football-start-sit-roddy-white-tim-tebow-carson-palmer-arian-fosterTroy Heinzman2010-12-23T13:55:04-05:002010-12-23T13:55:04-05:00NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football Projections: NFC South Edition
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<p>The biggest game of Week 16 takes place in our little corner of the universe we call the NFC South. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in the biggest game in the history of history. Elsewhere, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> to Florida and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> get to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. Well, there'll be at least one good game this week.</p>
<p>Which NFC South players will make an impact on your potential championship run? Read on and be informed.</p>
<h4>NFC South Players That Should Be In Your Week 16 Fantasy Lineups</h4>
<p><b>WR Mike Williams, TB:</b> The Seahawks defense has allowed 21 touchdowns to opposing receivers this season and Williams is coming off a 96-yard, one touchdown performance. Keep him in your lineup.</p>
<p><b>QB Josh Freeman, TB:</b> This is an extension of the first recommendation. The Seahawks have been just as friendly to opposing quarterbacks, allowing six touchdown passes in the last two weeks. Freeman has thrown one touchdown in four straight games and he'll have no trouble adding to that total this week.</p>
<p><b>WR Marques Colston, NO:</b> The Falcons pass defense has improved the past two weeks but their last two opponents are more to blame for that. Against the Saints pass offense and Colston, who has three scores in his last three games, the Falcons will be tested.</p>
<p><b>RB LeGarrette Blount:</b> Wow, the Seahawks defense is bad. The only thing that would stop Freeman and Williams from having a good day is if Blount hogs all the touchdowns. The Seahawks are near the bottom against fantasy running backs and Blount is hot off a 110-yard, one touchdown day last week.</p>
<p><b>D/ST Tampa Bay Bucs:</b> This is a solid matchup play that could pay off big. The Seahawks have turned the ball over eight times the last two weeks and have given up a defensive touchdown in each of those games. The Bucs defense hasn't had a great season but this matchup is too great to pass up.</p>
<p><b>RB Michael Turner, ATL:</b> Turner owners have to be drooling after seeing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> blast the Saints for over 200 yards rushing. Turner has been on fire lately and the Saints won't offer much opposition. Enjoy the points.</p>
<p><b>QB Drew Brees:</b> Brees is always starting for you regardless of the matchup but this matchup is very juicy. In Week 3, Brees torched the Falcons for 365 yards and three touchdowns. He's thrown three touchdowns in each of the last two weeks and makes a strong play this week.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/23/1893794/nfl-week-16-fantasy-football-projections-roddy-white-saints-falconsTroy Heinzman2010-12-23T12:57:00-05:002010-12-23T12:57:00-05:00NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings: NFC South Edition
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<p>With two weeks remaining in most fantasy seasons, your lineup decisions become even more important. Hopefully, you play in a league that uses the two-week playoff method. It's the best way to make sure the better team wins. Also, if you're playing a league that stops in Week 16, find a new one. The whole point of fantasy football is to play the entire season and to not play Week 17 just because some key players could sit out cheapens the championship. If you're not playing in Week 17, you might as well play roto and award the title to the team with the most points.</p>
<p>To find out which players will help you win your championship, we need to look back at how they've done recently. Past performance is a great indicator of future success so we take a look at a few players who've done well over the last four weeks.</p>
<h4><span style="line-height: 11px;">Looking Back</span></h4>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>' QB <span>Drew Brees</span> has been carrying most fantasy teams and has been the fantasy MVP of the NFC South over the past four weeks.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' RB <span>Michael Turner</span> disappointed in Seattle last week but he's been on a tear over the last four games averaging over 18 fantasy points in standard scoring.</p>
<p>Bucs' QB <span>Josh Freeman</span> is a fantasy owners dream. A player that is going to get you double-digit points every week. He's the anti-<span>Jay Cutler</span> and has maintained his spooky consistent throughout the entire season.</p>
<p>Falcons' QB Matt Ryan hasn't been piling up the yards but he's been active in the red zone and threw three touchdowns against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>. Like Freeman, he's never going to kill you with a five-point effort.</p>
<p>Panthers' RB <span>Jonathan Stewart</span> has returned with a flurry averaging over 12 fantasy points over his last four games. He's splitting time with <span>Mike Goodson</span> but there is plenty of points to share.</p>
<p>Panthers' RB Mike Goodson, as noted above, is splitting time with Stewart but each has been a solid fantasy play over the past month. The Panthers know they have to run to be competitive and Goodson has taken advantage.</p>
<p>Saints' WR <span>Marques Colston</span> is back to being Brees' favorite target. With the Saints running game uncertain, Colston has stepped up and averaged 12 fantasy points in his last four games.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>' RB <span>LeGarrette Blount</span> has been hot-and-cold lately. He's followed a bad game with a good game over the past four weeks but his good games have made up for a few clunkers here and there.</p>
<p>Saints' RB <span>Chris Ivory</span> missed last week with an injury but he's still averaging over 11 fantasy points per game over his last four. If he's healthy, he's the lead back in New Orleans and a solid play.</p>
<h4><span style="line-height: 11px;">Players Rising Up</span></h4>
<p>These players have the best matchups and I expect them to carry many fantasy teams in their playoffs.</p>
<p><b>Michael Turner: </b>Turner has a very easy road over the next two weeks against the Saints and Panthers. Both run defenses are near the bottom of the league and Turner is basically matchup-proof. Sit back and enjoy the points.</p>
<p><b>LeGarrette Blount</b>: Blount faces the Seahawks and Saints the last two weeks and should finish 2010 with a flurry. He's becoming a must-start and facing two poor run defenses should make you look really smart for scooping him up off waivers.</p>
<p><b>Tony Gonzalez:</b> Gonzalez has been disappointing this season but still ranks in the Top 10 of tight ends thanks to the plethora of injuries that befell that position this season. With easy matchups against the Saints and Panthers remaining, Gonzalez will make you forget all about his early season struggles.</p>
<h4><span style="line-height: 11px;">Players Falling Down</span></h4>
<p>These players have the worst matchups and I expect them to disappoint over the last few weeks.</p>
<p><b>Matt Ryan:</b> Ryan faces two of the better pass defenses over the next weeks in New Orleans and Carolina. It's a tough matchup for Ryan and I expect the Falcons to rely on the running game. If you have better options, Ryan should take a seat.</p>
<p><span><b>Roddy White</b></span><b>:</b> I know what you're thinking. Bench White? Never! Hear me out. Over his last four games, he's averaging seven fantasy points and now he faces two of the top pass defenses in the league. You're probably playing him anyway, heck, I would too but just adjust your expectations.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/"><b>Carolina Panthers</b></a><b> RBs:</b> We talked about how great Stewart and Goodson have been playing but now is not the time to just plug them in and forget it. Their schedule the final two weeks is brutal. They face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> and Falcons, two of the top five run defenses in fantasy football. I know that both running backs had good days against the Falcons two weeks ago but I chalk that up to the Falcons having a big lead. If you have other options, the Carolina running game should be grounded.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/12/23/1893656/nfl-week-16-fantasy-football-rankings-roddy-whiteTroy Heinzman