Fantasy football free agents: One-week plays

• In eight games before he sustained a concussion, Michael Vick averaged more than 19 fantasy points
• The Browns have given up 151.5 offensive yards and 1.25 touchdowns per game since Week 13
• Kai Forbath, 17 for 17 on FGs with Redskins, has averaged 9.33 points per game in his last three

After enduring difficult seasons, a pair of big names get one final chance for some redemption in Week 17.

QB Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Foles sustained a hairline fracture in his throwing hand in Philly's Week 16 loss to the Washington Redskins. Coach Andy Reid said Vick is likely to start in the Eagles' regular-season finale versus the New York Giants, who have played some seriously uninspired football of late. In the past month, the G-Men have given up 274 yards and 1.75 touchdowns per game through the air.

Vick, 32, has had a disappointing season, but in his eight games before the one in which he suffered a concussion this year, he averaged more than 19 fantasy points. He's also looking to prove that he's still an NFL-caliber starting quarterback, and Week 17 represents his only chance to do so before he and the team likely part ways.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

Even though it has been a rough season for Mendenhall, the veteran ran 11 times for 50 yards in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. A Week 17 tilt with the Cleveland Browns could afford him a chance to close strong as the Browns have given up 151.5 offensive yards and 1.25 touchdowns per game since Week 13. If you're looking for someone to fill in this Sunday, Mendenhall is a legitimate possibility.

RB Montell Owens, Jacksonville Jaguars

Although he was quiet as a runner (10 carries, 42 yards) in Week 16, Owens more than made up for it by reeling in four passes for 77 yards. This weekend he faces the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed 137.8 offensive yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game to opposing backs. They were gashed for four rushing touchdowns (three by RBs) by the depleted Green Bay Packers in Week 16. There's a lot to like this week with Owens.

WR Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles

In four games since returning from injury, Avant has racked up 5.5 catches and 81.5 receiving yards per game. This week he faces a New York Giants secondary that has allowed 10.75 receptions, 175.5 yards and one touchdown per game to receivers during the past month. That makes Avant a nice option versus the reeling Giants.

WR Greg Little, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland didn't have much to smile about in Week 16, but Little tallied six grabs, 58 yards and the team's lone touchdown in what was his fourth straight respectable showing. The Browns close with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were just eliminated from playoff contention. Since Week 13 they have surrendered 14.25 receptions, 166 yards and 1.25 touchdowns per game to opposing wideouts. That gives Little at least a little upside this week.

PK Kai Forbath, Washington Redskins

Forbath hasn't missed a kick since signing in mid-October, going 17-for-17 on field goals. He has been a steady producer recently as well, averaging 9.33 points per game in his last three. Facing a Dallas Cowboys team that has allowed 9.5 points and 2.5 field goal attempts per contest since Week 13, the UCLA product is a quality option.

Buffalo Bills defense/special teams

Things have come completely unglued for the New York Jets, who turned to Greg McElroy in Week 16 over Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez. McElroy was sacked a whopping 11 times by the San Diego Chargers and also turned the ball over twice. Outside the 50-point barrage by the Seattle Seahawks, the Bills defense has not played poorly of late, but clearly it's the matchup that makes them an attractive play this Sunday.

Herija C. Green writes for KFFL.com, a USA TODAY Sports Media Group property