Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17
Think back to all that research, studying, and obsessing all summer long. This is what all of that work was for. Having something on the line in Week 17. Congratulations on preserving through a challenging season. Now isn’t the time to change your routine. But our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17 can help you decide on some close calls. Good Luck winning the ‘ship!
Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Jared Goff (Lions) at Cowboys
Jared Goff has delivered recently, surpassing 250 yards in each of his last two games. However, his fantasy output this season has been inconsistent due to limited pass attempts and touchdowns in Lions victories. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 as underdogs, Goff’s success often correlates with high pass attempts, and even in a potential win, the game’s nature favors a pass-heavy approach.
Goff has shown better results against man coverage than zone coverage, a trend likely to continue against the Cowboys, who employ man coverage at the second-highest rate in the league. While Goff remains a risky play, the circumstances suggest he has a considerable chance of posting significant fantasy numbers, potentially ranking him as a top-tier QB.
Kyler Murray (Cardinals) at Eagles
Kyler Murray bounced back last week after a couple of subpar outings. His dual-threat capabilities remain a key asset, and against the Eagles, who generate significant pressure, Murray might rely on his legs more.
Additionally, Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game, and the second-most passing touchdowns. Also, the Eagles permit the highest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. In a game where the Cardinals could be playing catch-up, Murray presents a strong fantasy option.
Sit ‘Em
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) at Ravens
Tua Tagovailoa faces challenges in Week 17 against the Ravens, with Jaylen Waddle likely sidelined and a recent three-game stretch of scoring less than 18 fantasy points. Also, the Ravens’ defense, ranked No. 2 in the fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season, poses a significant obstacle.
Tagovailoa should be limited to Superflex and two-quarterback leagues, given the tough matchup and recent struggles. Finally, Miami’s implied total of 16 points is indicative of a fade.
Jordan Love (Packers) at Vikings
Jordan Love’s recent performances have cooled off, and injuries to key receivers create additional hurdles for him. Facing the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks over the last four weeks, Love’s potential struggles against their zone defense could impact his fantasy output.
While Love maintains a relatively high floor, the matchup suggests caution. Additionally, a repeat of his previous game against the Vikings is likely. In that game, Love was held to 229 passing yards and one touchdown.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs) vs. Bengals
The availability of Isiah Pacheco (concussion) for Week 17 against Cincinnati remains uncertain. Most players with a confirmed concussion miss at least one game following the diagnosis.
In Pacheco’s absence, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to start for the Chiefs. CEH will play nearly full-time, especially with Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve. Edwards-Helaire has the potential for a standout week, making him a recommended start in all leagues.
Devin Singletary (Texans) vs. Titans
Devin Singletary faces some concerns after his recent good performances. While he remains the primary early-down running back, the Texans’ emphasis on passing situations may limit Singletary’s opportunities.
However, against the Titans, who present the third-best matchup for running backs, Singletary’s chances for a solid performance increase. Houston’s recent success against the Titans, coupled with the potential return of quarterback C.J. Stroud, positions Singletary as a viable fantasy option in championship week.
Sit ‘Em
Derrick Henry (Titans) at Texans
Derrick Henry faces the Texans’ run defense once again after a challenging Week 15 matchup. Houston’s success in containing Henry with only 16 carries for 9 yards raises concerns. The Texans have limited opposing running backs to minimal rushing yards in their recent games.
While it’s tough to bench Henry, the potential for a minimal stat line in Week 17 makes him a risky start. Especially considering his lower PPR points per game in away games this season.
Chuba Hubbard (Panthers) at Jaguars
Chuba Hubbard, despite consistent scoring in recent weeks, faces a tough matchup against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards to running backs this season, limiting Hubbard’s potential upside.
Also, Hubbard’s effectiveness as a runner has declined and he’s not catching as many balls as he did early this season. In a challenging matchup, fantasy managers with alternative options are advised to explore other starting running backs for Week 17.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Brandin Cooks (Cowboys) vs. Lions
Brandin Cooks carries a substantial upside, especially when playing at home. His impressive fantasy performances in three of his last four home games, coupled with Detroit’s struggles against receivers, make Cooks a high-upside streaming option for Week 17.
Additionally, Detroit has allowed the second-most yards and fifth-most touchdowns to receivers since Week 12, emphasizing Cooks’ potential to make a significant impact and potentially secure a fantasy title.
Zay Flowers (Ravens) vs. Dolphins
Zay Flowers has seen an increased role in the Ravens’ offense, with double-digit targets in two of the last three games and touchdowns in three of the last four. Facing the Miami Dolphins, who allow an above-average amount of fantasy points to wide receivers, Flowers has the opportunity to continue his recent success.
The volume of passes against the Miami defense, combined with Flowers’ recent contributions, positions him well for a potentially strong performance in what is expected to be a closely contested game and a possible shootout.
Sit ‘Em
Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) vs. Steelers
Tyler Lockett’s inconsistent production and the Seahawks’ matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in the last four weeks, present concerns.
Also, Lockett’s performance against man coverage compared to zone coverage and the Steelers’ defensive tendencies favoring man coverage suggest a potential dip in fantasy production. In a game where Lockett may struggle to reach double-digit fantasy points, caution is advised in starting him for Week 17.
Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) vs. Panthers
Calvin Ridley’s success in Week 16 against a favorable matchup was expected. Uncertainties surrounding Trevor Lawrence’s availability are one major concern.
Also, Ridley’s struggles in tough matchups, combined with the Panthers’ defense ranking No. 4 in the fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, make him a questionable start for Week 17. Consider Ridley as a starter only in three-receiver leagues if Lawrence is confirmed to play.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Darren Waller (Giants) vs. Rams
This matchup against the Rams in championship week offers a potential reward. Los Angeles ranks in the top five for yards allowed to tight ends this season, surrendering the second-most touchdowns and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Also, Waller’s capabilities make him a viable option in Week 17, exploiting the weaknesses of the Rams’ defense against tight ends. And the promotion to starter for Tyrod Taylor should only help a Giants’ passing attack that had mostly faltered with Tommy Devito.
Dalton Schultz (Texans) vs. Titans
Dalton Schultz suffered an injury in Week 12 but has returned with consistent performances. Despite a challenging matchup against the Titans, who allow the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, Schultz’s target share and connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud make him a reliable fantasy starter for Week 17.
Schultz’s previous success against the Titans (4 catches, 58 yards) two weeks ago further supports his fantasy viability. However, may need a TD to hit big.
Sit ‘Em
Dalton Kincaid (Bills) vs. Patriots
Dalton Kincaid’s recent dip in fantasy production, posting fewer than two fantasy points in his last two games, raises concerns. While the rookie had an exciting run, the return of Dawson Knox and the Bills’ shift to a more run-focused offense limit Kincaid’s fantasy upside. Kincaid has not topped five fantasy points in Buffalo’s past five games.
Facing the Patriots, who have allowed the second-fewest yards to tight ends and only two touchdowns this season, further diminishes Kincaid’s fantasy appeal. Fantasy managers are advised to explore alternative tight end options for championship week.
