QUICK HITS - Thursday Morning

Playoffs start tonight and unfortunately, many of us will not be able to see the game, unless you have NFL network or have time to hit your local bar (that HAS NFL Network). Too bad as most of us who have a player going tonight or a player starting against us will be very interesting in how they fare. Not only tonight but Saturday as well. Yes, the Saturday games are back as college teams prep for the Bowls!

Here are a few items that are worth mentioning as we pick ours and all of the analysts' brains out there in fantasy world. I find value in these "Quick Hits" and I hope you do as well.

A few players that could have some major impact in week 15 are:

Mark Bulger - practiced fully on Wednesday and is slated to start at home against Green Bay on Sunday. If "Bulge" makes it through two more days of practice without any setbacks, he could be in for a great game. The "Lambs" will have to pass the ball as the Packers will definitely put up some points as they continue to fight for home field advantage being 1 game back of Dallas (thanks Lions!!). If Bulger goes, expect S. Jackson, T. Holt and I. Bruce to produce and you might even call R. McMichael a sleeper if you are desperate for a TE.

Troy Polamalu - practiced fully on Wednesday and should really help the Steel Curtain as the loss of Aaron Smith would be devastating with Polamalu out. Pittsburgh was humiliated last week and very well could rebound to stuff Jacksonville, especially at home. Big Ben Roethlisberger sat out Wednesday and this could just be to give his some shoulder some rest. His #'s have slid in recent weeks but should inflate with the return of Santonio Holmes. If Holmes is able to make it through two more days of practice without hiccups, Steelers should pull out this win at Heinz Field.

WAIVER WIRE SNAGS THAT COULD BE OF SOME USE:
Darius Walker (Dayne almost certain to be inactive tonight against Denver who is ranked near the bottom in the NFL with just under 140 rushing yards a game surrendered to opposing teams)

Cincinnati Bengals (two words - 49ers Stink)

Miami Dolphins (Ravens are playing horrible and have plenty of injuries. The Dolphins have something to play for, Pride, and are at home with their real last chance of the season to get a notch in the win category.)

Jabar Gaffney (The birth of Gaffney started two weeks ago and he blew up last week. This will happen again as the Patriots will run the score through the roof against Belichick's arch nemesis.

TOP STARTS OF THE WEEK:

Tom Brady & Randy Moss - Sorry Jersey's South Shore
LaDainian Tomlinson vs Lions - Enough said!
Antonio Gates - Ditto!
Willis McGahee - Ravens will try to keep their Defense off the field and "NFL's Best Running Back" will have to carry the load.
Marcus Colston - Arizona loves to give up points and with Reggie Bush out, Colston will carry this team!
Joseph Addai - Silver & Black should change their colors to Black & Blue.
Earnest Graham - Falcons are in a "Land of Confusion" and Graham has been a complete stud since he landed the starting roll.
Seahawks Defense - Panthers are much like little kittys and have nothing to play for. The Hawks have been been too dominant the last two weeks and will remain a top defense through playoffs.

GOOD LUCK AND KEEP UP WITH YOUR PLAYERS!!!