Starks remains a question mark: The status of Packers RB James Starks (ankle) is still up in the air as Green Bay prepares to host the New York Giants in an NFC Divisional Game. Starks took over for an injured Ryan Grant last postseason and was the team’s leading rusher. It could be a role reversal this offseason if the second-year runner can’t play, making Grant an attractive Playoff Challenge option. Green Bay’s running game was among the league’s worst during the regular season, while the Giants weren’t spectacular against fantasy running backs, giving up the 11th-most points per game. The Giants put the clamps on Falcons RB Michael Turner last week, so neither Starks nor Grant is worth considering.

Spiller can be a “workhorse” for Bills: Bills GM Buddy Nix recently told reporters he believes RB C.J. Spiller can “be a workhorse kind of back” for years to come. That might not be music to the ears of Fred Jackson, who is hoping for both a contract extension and his job back as Buffalo’s No. 1 RB. Spiller had a breakout season replacing the injured Jackson, posting 830 yards from scrimmage with six touchdowns. Then again, Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six TDs in 10 games before a season-ending broken leg. With two productive backs heading into training camp, this could be one of the key position battles for fantasy owners to watch.

Crennel non-committal about Orton: Newly minted Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel was evasive when asked about the future of QB Kyle Orton, who is an unrestricted free agent. Crennel also went on to reaffirm his belief that the team can win behind Matt Cassel. Orton was far from a fantasy monster this year, even before he was muscled out of Denver in favor of Tim Tebow. But Orton did post a couple of respectable stat lines late in the season in Kansas City. If he lands in a starting role somewhere else next season, Orton could have some value as a matchup-based or bye week fantasy option.

– Marcas Grant

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