It’s Week 16 in the NFL and that means it’s the semi-finals in some fantasy leagues. In order to prolong your season you need to keep an eye on some players as they may or may not play this week. At the end of the article you’ll find a player who has been ruled out for this week’s game. 

TE Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens

Todd Heap, who suffers from a hamstring injury, is expected to return to action after missing the previous 3 games. He remains a game-time decision so you need to check his status prior to kick-off. He may be rusty after the 3-week lay-off and you should consider looking into other options like Owen Daniels (HOU), Tony Moeaki (KC) or Jimmy Graham (NO).

WR Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals

The outspoken wide receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against San Diego Chargers due to an ankle injury. He is considered to be a game-time decision, which is a little problematic as the Bengals play in the second set of games. Considering that Cincy play against one of the best defenses you may rather want to start players like Mike Williams (TB), Mike Thomas (JAX), Kevin Walter (HOU) or Davone Bess (MIA).

QB Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos

Kyle Orton is listed as questionable with a rib injury for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. Even if he’s active he will be Tim Tebow’s backup. If you haven’t picked Tim Tebow up try Jason Campbell (OAK) or Rex Grossman (WAS) as a gamble.

QB Drew Stanton, Detroit Lions

The quarterback suffers from a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Stanton started the previous three games for the Lions but it appears likely that Shaun Hill will start this time. Check his status before kick-off.

QB Shaun Hill, Detroit Lions

Shaun Hill, who hasn’t played since week 12 because of a broken finger, is questionable for Sunday’s game but is likely to start. It is absolutely necessary to check the Lions’ quarterback situation before kick-off.

WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

The wide receiver is listed as questionable with a high ankle sprain. It bears a risk to start him at Denver Broncos, as the game is a late kick-off. I have a hunch that he’s playing but if you need to play it safe you should have a plan B in place.

RB Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts

Joseph Addai may return to action for the first time since week 6, although his status is still questionable. With such a long inactivity, and the fact that the game at Oakland Raiders is in the second set of games on Sunday, I suggest you start another running back. Rashad Jennings (JAX) is expected to have good game if Maurice Jones-Drew can’t play. Another option would be Ricky Williams (MIA).

WR Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars

The wide receiver is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. He is a game-time decision against the Washington Redskins but I expect him to play. Sims-Walker had 3 touchdowns in the previous 2 games. Make sure to check his status before kick-off.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew is doubtful for Sunday’s game because of a knee injury. It’s worth checking his availability before kick-off but don’t be surprised if Rashad Jennings turns out to be the starter.

RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

The running back is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Philadelphia Eagles due to a bruised thigh injury. He missed last week’s game and it is uncertain whether he’ll play this week, as the Minnesota Vikings can’t reach the playoffs anymore.

QB Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game and will be a game-time decision. This is tricky for fantasy owners as the Vikings play late on Sunday night. Whether Favre will play or not will also determine Joe Webb’s role but he has little value if he won’t start, even at wide receiver. It is safest to avoid both this week under these circumstances.

RB Christopher Ivory, New Orleans Saints

The running back is listed as questionable for Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons due to a hamstring injury. This makes it too much of a gamble to roll with him, especially as he’s already missed last week’s game.

WR Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers

Malcom Floyd missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury and is doubtful to play at Cincinnati Bengals this week either. Vincent Jackson may start in his place.

WR Patrick Crayton, San Diego Chargers

The wide receiver hasn’t played since week 11 and will likely miss this week’s game with a wrist injury.

Antonio Gates (SD) has already been ruled out fir week 16.

Check me out at http://twitter.com/thomaskaunzner for game-time updates.