Studs and Duds Week 17: Michael Bush Is Not Related to Reggie

Each week in the NFL, there are players that impress and players that distress. One week a certain quarterback might toss four touchdowns and run around with his finger in the air while the next he's laying on his back, holding his facemask as the other team returns one of his three interceptions for the game-winning score. With that in mind, here's Studs and Duds.

Here's Week 17 at a glance, where we point out the horses destined for the Kentucky Derby and jeer those headed to the glue factory.

Studs

Michael Bush, RB Oakland (27 carries, 177 yards, 2 TDs) -- This is the other running back in Oakland, and boy did he have a pretty nice coming out party. In his first game with more than 16 carries, Bush rolled a Tampa Bay defense in search of a playoff spot and carried the Raiders to their second consecutive win. Sure, the team went 5-11, but the last two games were something to build on, and Michael looked like a capable backfield option.

Chad Pennington, QB Miami (22-for-30, 200 yards, 2 TDs) -- No, it wasn't a dominating performance, but it was what Pennington does for teams. He completed passes, he didn't make any bad throws, and he led his team to a playoff berth at his old team's stadium. I'm sure Peyton Manning will win the MVP because he really has done a remarkable job with the Colts this season, but I feel that real NFL fans would love to see Chad hold up the trophy.

Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay (21-for-31, 308 yards, 3 TDs) -- Since it appears being a member of the mainstream media means you can't utter the words "Rodgers over Favre," I guess I will. If you had a quarterback for one game or one win or one whatever, you'd go with Rodgers, case closed. His year has been frustratingly brilliant, and most of that has nothing to do with his numbers. Rodgers gets absolutely no credit for the way he handles himself and if it means anything, I'd love to be the one that gives it to him. He has never once complained about his situation and he has embraced the Packers offense and been a pretty darn effective quarterback. In a must-win against the Lions (because who wants to be that team), Rodgers woke up when most of his team was asleep. The guy oozes character and it is crazy people would rather have a quarterback who lives for the spotlight in all situations over a guy who just goes out and does his job.

Andre Johnson, WR Houston (10 catches, 148 yards, 2 TDs) -- Can you say anything more about this guy? He has singlehandedly made me believe in Matt Schaub. Yesterday's win over Chicago just goes to show that the Texans can compete in this league with the talent they have, as long as stupid hurricanes and Rosenchoppas stay away. The two Johnsons (see below) are the best wide receivers in the league and I'm already plotting what round to take Andre in next season.

Duds

Brett Favre, QB NY Jets (20-for-40, 233 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs) -- Last year's lasting image of Favre was pretty disappointing. A football legend watching as his final pass was picked off. Now, a year after retiring just to come back and be a nuisance, Favre's final image could be an illegal forward pass followed by a leveling hit in a game that was basically one big overthrown pass. Favre was a great quarterback at one time, don't get me wrong, but his time has passed and his attitude is pathetic. Retire Brett. Just retire so we don't have to talk about it anymore. (And if you think we aren't in store for another seven months of this, you're crazy. Sportscenter opened their coverage last night with both Brett's press conference statement and his performance. Sigh.)

Tony Romo, QB Dallas (21-for-39, 183 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 2 fumbles) -- If you were to write a "Worst Case Scenario Handbook" about football, this is the game to start with. A must-win against the Eagles, who Dallas pounded in Week Two, 41-37. Romo looked flat, lost, inaccurate, confused, slow, and anything else that would be an insult to a quarterback. Like the previously mentioned Favre, Romo is a "live by the back-foot throw, die by the back-foot throw," and last night Dallas died. I will never say Tony is a bad quarterback, because I think more than half the teams in the NFL would love to have him, but he needs to realize that at times, throwing the ball away isn't so bad. Oh, and there is that collapsing in the shower thing at the end of the game, if you ever wanted to explain what "insult to injury" meant.

The Detroit Lions Not Named Calvin Johnson -- Is there more to say about the Lions? They didn't win a game in 2008. They have a chance in the offseason to make some moves. They have one of the better players in the league lining up outside on offense they can build around. If they win a game next year it would be helpful. That is all.

Larry Johnson, RB Kansas City (10 carries, 18 yards) -- Three. That is the number of 100-yard games Johnson racked up this season. It isn't good when you can say the words, "I almost had the same amount of 100-yard games as I did assault charges on women." A specimen in the backfield just two years ago, Johnson has slowly become a disease on a Chiefs team that won just two games all season. If you were going to take over a team at this point, I really believe you'd rather grab the Lions than the Chiefs. Kansas City has the upside of a job relocating you to Boise.

Near Studly -- Drew Brees, Adrian Peterson, Ryan Longwell, Mark Clayton, John Kasay, DeAngelo Williams, Le'Ron McClain and Ed Reed.

Near Dudly -- Jeff Garcia, Jay Cutler, Bruce Gradkowski, David Garrard, and Buffalo weather.