Week 17 DFS: Tight End Report featuring Travis Kelce
Week 17 DFS: Tight End Report No tight end scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in Week 16. George Kittle (7/126) was the top player for the week, followed by Evan Engram (10/95) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6/63/1). Here are the
No tight end scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in Week 16. George Kittle (7/126) was the top player for the week, followed by Evan Engram (10/95) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6/63/1). Here are the top five tight ends by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- T.J. Hockenson (14.67)
- Travis Kelce (14.39)
- Sam LaPorta (14.00)
- George Kittle (13.15)
- Evan Engram (13.09)
Here are the top plays this week via the Week 15 DFS: Tight End Report. Also, check out the Week 16 DFS: QB Report, RB Report, and WR Report.
Top Tier Option
Travis Kelce, KC (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,800)
Over his last eight games, Kelce caught 42 of his 58 targets for 443 yards and one touchdown, leading to only steady fantasy production in five games (11.80, 16.40, 15.10, 12.10, and 14.30). His recent stats (5/28 and 5/44) don’t command his current salary. He has one impact game (12/179/1) and a pair of steady showings in fantasy points (22.70 and 21.40), all coming between Week 5 and Week 7. Over his past eight matchups, he averaged 7.3 targets (8.9 in 2022 and 8.4 in 2021).
Cincinnati has the second-worst defense (98/1,020/6 on 120 targets) against tight ends, with failure in four games (SF – 91/49, PIT – 12/141, JAC – 10/91/1, and IND – 8/65/1). Over the past nine weeks, tight ends have at least eight catches in six contests.
The Chiefs’ offense (77 points over their last four games) is a mess, and Patrick Mahomes gained fewer than 6.5 yards per pass attempt in six of their previous eight games. Finally, Kelce has a winnable matchup with a slight drop in salary. I want to believe, but I can force him if he doesn’t fit my Week 17 plan…
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Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17
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
Week 17 DFS: Running Back Report
Week 17 DFS: Running Back Report Breece Hall (43.10 fantasy points) turned in a beast game in Week 16, giving him the top ranking. Christian McCaffrey (25.10) and Jahmyr Gibbs (25.00) finished second and third in running back scoring. Only
Breece Hall (43.10 fantasy points) turned in a beast game in Week 16, giving him the top ranking. Christian McCaffrey (25.10) and Jahmyr Gibbs (25.00) finished second and third in running back scoring. Only three other backs scored more than 20.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five running backs by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- Christian McCaffrey (25.35)
- Raheem Mostert (17.91)
- Rashaad White (16.47)
- Travis Etienne (16.19)
- Breece Hall (15.59)
Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 17 DFS QB Report.
Elite Option
Christian McCaffrey, SF (DK – $9,600/FD – $11,000)
The 49ers had McCaffrey on the field for all of their plays last week, leading to his eighth consecutive game with more than 100 combined yards. He has a touchdown in 13 of his 15 starts with a combined 21 scores. His two impact games (48.70 and 41.70) came against the Cardinals. McCaffrey has a floor of 20.00 fantasy points in eight other matchups. He is on pace to gain 2,190 combined yards with 24 touchdowns and 71 catches on 364 touches.
Washington fell to 29th in running back defense (26.13 FPPG) after allowing more than 28.00 fantasy points to backs in their last eight games. The Jets and Breece Hall drilled the Commanders for 242 combined yards with two touchdowns and 12 catches. Running backs have 16 touchdowns with success in the passing game (82/587/5).
McCaffrey has an excellent matchup, with a high floor in fantasy points. The 49ers should score at will in this game, but they could give their star running back some snaps off if Washington doesn’t put up a fight on the scoreboard.
Second-Tier Options
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Week 17 Quarterback Report
Week 17 NFL Quarterback Report Joe “Waiver Wire” Flacco was the best quarterback in the land in Week 17 (30.50 fantasy points), thanks to a career game by Amari Cooper (11/265/2). The runner-up prize went to Derek Carr (29.15), followed
Joe “Waiver Wire” Flacco was the best quarterback in the land in Week 17 (30.50 fantasy points), thanks to a career game by Amari Cooper (11/265/2). The runner-up prize went to Derek Carr (29.15), followed by Josh Allen (28.35), Jalen Hurts (27.45), and Justin Fields (27.20). Twelve other quarterbacks scored between 20.00 and 26.50 fantasy points. Here are the top five players after 16 weeks by scoring average:
- Josh Allen (26.95)
- Jalen Hurts (26.09)
- Dak Prescott (23.03)
- Lamar Jackson (22.76)
- Brock Purdy (22.11)
Using our Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings, let’s break down this week’s field in the FullTime Fantasy Week 16 NFL Quarterback Report.
Top Tier Options
Jalen Hurts, PHI (DK – $8,300/FD – $9,200)
Over the past six weeks, Hurts has one passing touchdown or fewer in five starts. He held value by his success in the run game (59/260/8). His completion rate (60.3%) over this span is well below his first nine games (68.9%). Despite his direction, Hurts has already set career highs in completions (327), passing attempts (499), and combined touchdowns (35). When at his best, he scored more than 30 fantasy points in three matchups (31.35, 31.55, and 38.50).
The Cardinals rank 25th in quarterback defense (21.94). Only the Giants (380/3) scored more than 30.00 fantasy points. The Rams (229/4) and 49ers (262/4) delivered the most success in touchdowns over the past four weeks. Quarterbacks rushed for 285 yards and five touchdowns on 61 carries. Five offenses rushed for more than 175 yards.
The Eagles played better offensively in Week 16 (471 combined yards with three touchdowns, four field goals, and 33 points), pointing to success in scoring this week. I sense I have Hurts under-projected this week as he looks poised to have a 4X floor in this upside matchup...
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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s
The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 features the Browns hosting the NFL’s most futile offense in the lowly New York Jets.
16th-year pro Joe Flacco has been a revelation for the Browns. Cleveland has started four different signal-callers this season. However, the Browns are in contention for the AFC’s top seed with a nifty 10-5 record.
Meanwhile, the Jets have also had to play the quarterback carousel. But Robert Saleh has not enjoyed anywhere near as much success. At least not on offense. Saleh’s defense ranks third in the NFL.
Saleh does keep his club ready to compete and they will undoubtedly be ready to play spoiler.
New York opened as 6.5-point underdogs and the total was a ghastly 35 points.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| New York Jets | 32 | 31 | 28 | 30 | 30 |
| Cleveland Browns | 13 | 20 | 11 | 28 | 10 |
New York’s season effectively ended after four snaps. After losing Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have struggled to mount any kind of credible offense. Zach Wilson fared about as well as expected before losing – and regaining- the starting job. Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian have also contributed to the futility.
Siemian will make his second start this week and faces a tough task. Cleveland boasts the NFL’s No. 1 defense. The Browns lead the league in passing defense, interception rate, third-down efficiency, and fewest yards per play.
Meanwhile, Flacco has resurrected a stagnant offense. Cleveland has averaged 29 points per game in Flacco’s three starts. However, the Jets have the No. 2 pass defense and won’t allow the big plays that the Browns produced in Houston.
Points will be at a premium in this one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean this game is a fantasy football fade.
New York Offense
How will Thursday’s Jets vs. Browns game go?
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Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17 FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is
FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is the home of our FullTime Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 16.
Ranking You Can Trust
Our staff was ranked No. 1 last season, with not one but TWO analysts inside the top 10. With projections powered by NFBC Hall-of-Fame writer Shawn Childs and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17
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Fantasy Football Injury Report
Fantasy Football Injury Report Congratulations on navigating a turbulent 2023 campaign and advancing to the finals. In a season like this, it’s doubtful anyone avoided injuries. However, knowing how to overcome those obstacles is likely what led you this far. The FullTime Fantasy Football Injury Report will keep you up-to-date on the impactful injuries one final time in the 2023 season. Good luck in your fantasy finale! Also, a great starting point for staying updated on the latest injuries is to bookmark our NFL Injury Report. Finally, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! Isiah Pacheco (RB) Kansas City Chiefs – Pacheco lost his helmet and took a knee to the head, resulting in a concussion. Nearly two-thirds of players diagnosed with a concussion miss at least one game. Additionally, Jerick McKinnon (groin) is already on IR. That makes Clyde Edwards-Helaire the priority waiver wire add ahead of the title game. C.J. Stroud (QB) Houston Texans – Speaking of concussions, Stroud missed his second consecutive game. However, he has reportedly made significant progress through the league’s protocol. Once he’s clear, Stroud immediately returns to QB1 status for a Texans’ squad still tied atop the AFC South. T.J. Hockenson (TE) Detroit Lions – An MCL/ACL injury is expected to cost Hockenson multiple games. Hock took a helmet shot directly to his right knee and was ruled out rather quickly. Unfortunately, Hockenson will be placed on season-ending IR. Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins – On Monday, Mike McDaniel revealed that Waddle’s shin injury was a high-ankle sprain. That will almost certainly sideline Waddle for at least one game. The timing is lousy, especially with the Dolphins traveling to Baltimore this week for AFC supremacy. Miami does not have an in-house replacement for fantasy managers to look to. Therefore, expect more opportunities for the running backs. Michael Pittman (WR) Indianapolis Colts – Yet another head injury, Pittman cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol last week. However, he self-reported reoccurring symptoms on Saturday and re-entered the protocol. Pittman must go back through the steps before he can play again. Josh Jacobs (RB) Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders held out Jacobs from Monday’s game. Meanwhile, Zamir White had a fantastic performance. As a pending free agent, Jacbos may elect to protect himself from further injury. Also, the Raiders may be just fine with White and Ameer Abdullah. For now, we will keep an eye on Jacobs’s practice status all week and update accorindgly. Courtland Sutton (WR) Denver Broncos – Sutton is also in the league’s protocol. With the rate mentioned above of players missing games after a concussion, Sutton should be considered very questionable for this week’s game. Brandon Johnson saw a noticeable increase in snaps after Sutton exited. Jordan Addison (WR) Minnesota Vikings – A low-ankle sprain forced Addison from Minnesota’s Week 16 loss. In a Tuesday update, Kevin O’Connell said that Addison is day-to-day. Therefore, we will have to monitor and update Addison’s availability all week. Brock Purdy (QB) San Francisco 49ers – Purdy was having a forgettable Week 16 outing before exiting in the second half with a shoulder injury. However, it doesn’t sound like Kyle Shanahan is too concerned about Purdy’s health moving forward. 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy suffered his second stinger in two games Monday night. “You know how stingers are and it could be worse (Tuesday),” said HC Kyle Shanahan. “But I think it’ll be alright.” Additionally, LT Trent Williams suffered a groin injury, his backup Jaylon Moore got a… pic.twitter.com/7KYbqzoK1z — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 26, 2023 Kenny Pickett (QB) Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin indicated that Pickett is getting closer to a return and will be given more reps this week. However, it is fully expected that Mason Rudolph will earn another start after his impressive showing against the Bengals. D.J. Moore (WR) Chicago Bears – An ankle injury impacted Moore’s effectiveness on Sunday. We will have to monitor Moore’s practice availability throughout the week. DJ Moore said that he aggravated the ankle injury he initially sustained 2 weeks ago vs. Detroit when he was tackled by Arizona CB Starling Thomas. He only missed a handful of plays after being designated questionable to return, and credits the Christmas spirit (and being given… — Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 25, 2023 Cole Kmet (TE) Chicago Bears – Another big blow for the Bears, Kmet exited with a knee injury and was unable to return. If Kmet and Moore are unable to play in Week 17, Chicago would host a tough Atlanta defense without either of their top two pass-catching threats. Kareem Hunt (RB) Cleveland Browns – Hunt was in on 38% of Cleveland’s snaps in Week 16, but managed to turn nine touches into just 13 yards. Additionally, Hunt is dealing with a groin injury and is at risk of missing Thursday’s short turnaround. Michael Thomas (WR) New Orleans Saints – Thomas will not play this week. Fantasy managers who have been feudally holding onto Thomas can drop him from their IR slots. Chris Rodgriguez (RB) Washington Commanders – Fresh off a 2-score game, rookie RB Chris Rodgriguez has an ankle injury that we will have to learn more about and update as the week progresses. Washington signed Jaret Patterson as depth. RB Chris Rodriguez (ankle) to have an MRI today. All injuries updated tomorrow. — Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 26, 2023 Zach Wilson (QB) New York Jets – Wilson is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Therefore, he won’t play in Thursday’s game. Dustin Hopkins (PK) Cleveland Browns – The Browns ruled out Hopkins from Thursday’s game with a hamstring injury that occurred during Cleveland’s dismantling of the Texans on Sunday. Riley Patterson joined the practice squad. Meanwhile, the Jets also could have a new kicker as Greg Zuerlein has a quad injury. Finally, thanks for reading the Fantasy Football Injury Report. The 2023 NFL
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 17
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 17 It is difficult to recollect a season with more adversity than 2023. If you are reading a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 17 article, that means you persevered through the chaos and made it
It is difficult to recollect a season with more adversity than 2023. If you are reading a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 17 article, that means you persevered through the chaos and made it to the championship. Congratulations! This is what all that hard work was for.
Making it this far likely means your roster is set. But this isn’t the time to start overthinking. Stick with who, and what got you here. However, there may still be some depth or dynasty options worth adding. One positive takeaway is no teams are locked into playoff spots, which makes things easier to project.
Good luck this week and Merry Christmas!
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB) Kansas City Chiefs – Isiah Pacheco is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Since two-thirds of players diagnosed with a concussion miss at least one week, that sets CEH up to be Kansas City’s lead back in Week 17. Edwards-Helaire has already been making the most of a bigger opportunity after Pacheco missed a pair of games in December. As the potential lead back against a suspect Cincinnati run D, Edwards-Helaire is a solid RB2. Also, it makes him the top fantasy football waiver wire: week 17 option.
Zamir White (RB) Las Vegas Raiders – Josh Jacobs has now missed two consecutive games. Additionally, with the Raiders out of playoff contention and Jacobs set to hit free agency, we could see the veteran back shut down. If that happens, White becomes a very strong RB2 play this week as the Raiders take on a Colts’ defense that has ceded the third-most fantasy points to running backs.
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Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 18
The vast majority of fantasy football leagues have concluded. However, there are a few holdouts that play into the final week. For those still active, our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 18 can help navigate the most difficult slate of the season. Editor’s note: This article is written by Bradley Stalder. QUARTERBACKS Start ‘Em Sam Darnold (Carolina Panthers) The Panthers may have been eliminated from the playoffs last week with a loss to the Tampa Buccaneers, but that doesn’t mean they won’t play their hearts out in Week 18 against the Colts. Darnold has played well as of late, finishing as the QB8 and QB6 each of the last two weeks. He’s thrown 7 TDs and only 1 INT on the season. The Panthers have a 26% PFF Pass Block projected advantage over the New Orleans Saints. Darnold is on the streaming radar for Week 18. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) This is a must-win game for the Packers, as their fate rides in the hands of Aaron Rodgers. The last time Rodgers played the Lions, he set a season-high with 291 passing yards and tied for his 3rd best weekly finish on the season. The Packers have a 20% PFF Pass Block projected advantage over the Detroit Lions. Also, David Bakhtiari practiced on Wednesday, which bodes well for his availability in Week 18. Sit ‘Em Mike White (New York Jets) The Jets were eliminated with a loss last week. White is still suffering from the ribs injury that cost him two games earlier in the season. Now he’s limited in practice and questionable. White threw for his fewest yards on the season and had his worst weekly finish at QB31. That, and along with a Miami defensive line projected to have a 46% Pass Block advantage over the New York Jets, it could be ugly as Miami needs to win and needs the Patriots to lose to make the playoffs. Daniel Jones (New York Giants) The Giants have zero playoff motivation to win this game. They are locked into the 6th seed, and while a divisional win would be nice, depriving the Eagles of a 1st round bye may not be worth it come the 2nd half of the game. The Eagles are going all-out to win, and have a 33% projected Pass Block advantage over the Giants’ offensive line. It could get ugly quickly. UPDATE: Reports out of New York are that Tyrod Taylor has a good chance to start. Finding an alternative to Jones is imperative. RUNNING BACKS Start ‘Em Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons) Allgeier needs exactly 100 yards to get to 1,000 rushing yards this season. And he has a chance to do it on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Allgeier only went 13-45 the last time the Bucs and Falcons matched up, the Bucs give up 117 rush yards per game. The Falcons have a projected 53% Run Block advantage over Tampa’s defensive line per PFF, and the Bucs have nothing to play for as they are locked into the 4-seed in the NFC. Since Week 13, Tyler Allgeier has posted the highest PFF RUN grade among all running backs. Jamaal Williams (Detroit Lions) For the Lions to make the playoffs, the Seahawks must lose and the Lions must defeat the Packers on Sunday night. Enter Jamaal Williams’ revenge game. Williams is coming fresh off a monster game: 22-144-1 and caught his only target for 13 yards. His RB4 finish on the week tied for his best weekly finish this season. And Williams will get room to run against the Packers, as Green Bay allows over 140 rush yards per game, 7th worst in the league. Finally, the Lions’ OL also projects to have a 34% Run Block advantage over the Packers. Sit ‘Em Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars) Etienne has posted three straight games over 100 scrimmage yards. Why fade in a must-win game for Jacksonville? Tennessee has allowed the 2nd fewest rushing yards to opponents this season and has only allowed 77 rush yards per game over the last 3 games. Even worse, this game is in Jacksonville, and Tennessee allows only 62.4 rush yards per game on the road. PFF projects a 63% Run Block advantage for the Titans over the Jaguars. And we’ve seen this before. Etienne rushed 17 times in Week 14 against the Titans but only mustered 32 yards at a 1.88-yards-per-carry clip. James Conner (Arizona Cardinals) Conner left the Week 17 game against the Falcons early, playing his fewest snaps since Week 5. He’s sat out of practice all week so far and doesn’t look like he’s trending to play. Even if he were to play, Conner faces a San Francisco 49ers team that needs to win for a chance at a #1 Seed in the NFC. The last time Conner faced the 49ers, he went 14-42-1 on the ground and 2-17 receiving. Not to mention the 49ers allow the fewest rush yards to opponents on the season. WIDE RECEIVERS Start ‘Em Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers) Aiyuk seems to have found his chemistry with Brock Purdy. In Purdy’s first three games, Aiyuk went 9-157-1 on 14 targets. In the Week 17 game against Las Vegas, Aiyuk caught 9 passes for 101 yards and a TD on 12 targets and sprinkled in a rush for 16 yards. It was Aiyuk’s first 100-yard receiving game of the season. Aiyuk projects to line up most of his snaps across from Jace Whittaker, who has allowed a crisp 69% of his yards after the catch– a Shanahan specialty. Arizona allows the 8th most passing yards on the year and look to be without Budda Baker in Week 18. Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) Game After Returning from Injury Scrimmage Yards Snap % Opportunities Week 10, 2022 51 87% 10 Week 13, 2021 59 77% 9 Week 12, 2020 133 88% 13 Week 4, 2020 45 34% 4 Week 8, 2019 48 69% 5 When Deebo Samuel returns from
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17
The 2022 fantasy football playoffs are here with many leagues in the championship round this week. The must-win games are here. Our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17 picks help you identify values to target and fades to avoid It is also crucial to know which waiver wire picks to make and to stay up-to-date on the injury report. Let’s take a look at some players to target or fade in the Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 17. Editor’s note: This article is written by Bradley Stalder. QUARTERBACKS Start ‘Em Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) Jared Goff is a must-start in your championship week. He’s been the hottest quarterback as of late, finishing as a top-4 QB in three of the last four weeks. Much is made about Goff’s home-road splits, where Goff has finished with 17+ fantasy points at home in seven of eight games. The Bears have the worst defense DVOA in the NFL and the fewest defensive sacks in the NFL. In a dome, at home with the highest projected game total this week, Goff has the weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, and D’Andre Swift to drub the Bears. Gardner Minshew (Philadelphia Eagles) In his spot start in Week 16, Minshew finished as the QB5 on the week. Last Sunday, Minshew threw 2 TDs, rushed for another, and passed for 355 yards on 24 completions. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith crushed even with Dallas Goedert returning from injured reserve. The Eagles are 6.5-point favorites in this home game against the New Orleans Saints. Minshew is on the streaming radar as long as Jalen Hurts recovers from injury. Sit ‘Em Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) The Browns are officially eliminated from the playoffs, and Deshaun Watson has played a big part in that failure. Watson has only completed 57% of his passes, averages 175 pass yards, and scores 12.3 fantasy points per game. Watson has finished as the QB20 or worse in three of his four games. Year 1 of the Browns-Watson marriage has not gone well. Washington also allows the 7th fewest passing yards to quarterbacks (198) per game. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins) Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss Week 17 due to concussion protocol. In the two games Teddy Bridgewater has filled in for Tagovailoa and thrown more than 20 passes, he’s averaged 16 fantasy points per game. However, he faces the New England Patriots at home who rank as the 3rd toughest pass DVOA matchup on the season. Last season, Teddy Bridgewater finished above QB15 only three times in 14 games. Those are certainly reasons to temper expectations and find better streaming options among QBs. RUNNING BACKS Start ‘Em Brian Robinson (Washington Commanders) Fantasy managers can’t ignore the volume Brian Robinson has accumulated. In three of the last four games, Robinson has at least 20 touches. While only one of those games turned into a top-10 fantasy week (RB4 Week 12 vs ATL), Robinson gets a porous Cleveland defense that has nothing to play for in Week 17. The Browns are the 3rd most favorable rushing DVOA matchup and allow the 3rd most fantasy points to running backs. Volume + favorable matchup = major start for Robinson as a solid RB2. D’Andre Swift (Detroit Lions) Swift might have had his worst fantasy outing of the season in Week 16 against Carolina. But, Swift is poised for a bounce-back in Week 17. Swift played the 2nd most snaps of the season and still had 9 opportunities against Carolina. Those are underlying metrics that suggest he should have had a bigger day. In fact, Swift only caught 1 of his 5 targets in that game. The Bears allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing RBs and are the 4th most favorable rush DVOA matchup. In a game that should turn into a shootout, Swift has the talent and is set to boom. Sit ‘Em Antonio Gibson (Washington Commanders) Do not plan to start Antonio Gibson in Week 17. He’s seriously questionable with a sprain and has missed practices this week. Even though it’s a plus matchup against the Browns, Gibson hasn’t rushed 10+ times since Week 11 and has finished no better than the RB35 in each of the last four games. If Gibson doesn’t go this week, Jonathan Williams is a deep-league desperation consideration in the Washington backfield. Jamaal Williams (Detroit Lions) Williams had his worst game of the season in Week 16 against the Panthers, setting season lows in snap %, rush attempts, rush yards, and fantasy points. While he is expected to go against a generous Chicago Bears front-7, Williams may still be nursing a leg injury that limited his playing time against the Panthers. Williams hasn’t rushed for more than 37 yards nor has he scored in each of the last three games. In his last matchup against the Bears, Williams finished 16-59 on the ground. He did fall into the endzone in the last matchup but with limited snaps is not a trustworthy RB2 in championship week. WIDE RECEIVERS Start ‘Em Garrett Wilson (New York Jets) Mike White is expected back, which means good news for Garrett Wilson. In White’s 2-game absence, Garrett Wilson only caught 8 passes on 18 targets and had an average weekly finish of WR49. In White’s three starts, Wilson averaged 6 receptions for 112 yards and finished as the WR13. That resulted in two top-7 weekly finishes. Seattle is a plus Pass DVOA matchup and should allow for Wilson to “get his” in a nice rebound game. DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles) Fantasy managers should make excuses for DeVonta Smith to make their fantasy lineups in Week 17. Over the last 4 weeks, DeVonta Smith has the 3rd most receiving yards (405) only behind Justin Jefferson and teammate AJ Brown, 2nd highest yards per reception (17.6) among WRs with 20+ targets, 2nd among WRs in yards after the catch per reception, and 7th in yards per route run. Smith may be WR15 in