Playoff clues to remember
This is going to be the last look we get at live NFL action for the next seven months. Make it last.
The playoffs are a great tool we can use to see who coaches and quarterbacks really trust.
For example, the chatter that Victor Cruz is actually a better receiver than Hakeem Nicks has quickly been squashed. Cruz is a very, very nice player. But as Nicks as shown in the last two weeks, he is a physical specimen with a better long-term outlook.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis doesn’t fumble, so he continues to play ahead of the more promising youngster, Stevan Ridley.
The Falcons blamed a lot of their running game failure on Michael Turner and are talking up the screen game for next season. The stone-handed Turner is going to see a drastic reduction in touches next year.
Arian Foster continued to prove he is matchup-proof. He was the best player on the field last week despite going against the Ravens’ elite run defense.
Fantasy NBA pickups
Depth charts are changing quickly as coaches move on from ineffective players.
1. Kemba Walker, SG, CHA — The Bobcats are going small and young, giving the explosive Walker 35-plus minutes per night. He’s got a green light to fire at will.
2. James Johnson, SF, TOR — The defensive dynamo is pushing hard for the starting gig. An average of 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals is realistic.
3. Daniel Gibson, SG, CLE — One of the best pure 3-point shooters in the game is now the starter. A real threat to make two treys per night.
