B/R's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Every NFL Week 17 Fantasy Matchup

Well, Christmas has come and gone. Hanukkah is only just starting. But there's still an even more important holiday underway.

No, not Festivus—although that's a biggie.

Fantasy Championship Week.

Sure, that new bowling ball or radiator you got for Christmas was great, but for fantasy managers still alive in 2024, there's only gift they want as the year winds to an end.

Championship Glory.

Of course, this is also the weirdest Week 17 ever, By the time Sunday's slate starts, half a dozen games will already be in the books. Two already are.

With the Chiefs blasting the Steelers in Pittsburgh and Baltimore destroying the Texans in Houston, some fantasy managers are already out to a nice lead. Others are unfortunately in a hole—although there's a lot of football still to be played.

With the week already underway, it's that much more important that fantasy managers make the best of the games still remaining. Know which players should be rolled out and who will disappoint. Be as prepared as possible for Week 17.

If there was a way to do that, it would be a Festivus miracle.

Key Injuries

As the Seattle Seahawks try to keep their playoff hopes alive on Thursday, they will likely do so short a running back—Kenneth Walker III picked up an ankle injury in last week's loss to Minnesota and has been placed on injured reserve.

The Bears are at full strength as they attempt to stop their long losing streak—no offensive players of note are on this week's injury report.

Start of the Week

Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: A few weeks back against the Arizona Cardinals, Charbonnet gained 134 yards and scored twice with Walker on the shelf. He should find success against a Bears team that ranks 26th in the league against the run.

Sit of the Week

Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Smith has been in something of a funk—just one game with 20-plus fantasy points since Week 10. The Bears have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Sleeper

Seattle Seahawks Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: Seattle's defense has been rather inconsistent this season, but this play is all about the matchup—the Bears have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to team defenses in 2024.

Stat to Know

334. That's how many passing yards Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had last week against the Detroit Lions—the rookie's third 300-yard game of the season. Williams hasn't enjoyed the statistical success of Washington's Jayden Daniels, but he's been OK over the season's second half—14th in fantasy points among quarterbacks since Week 8.

Key Injuries

The Chargers head east to face the Patriots a little nicked up. Running back Gus Edwards has been ruled out with an ankle injury, while veteran tight ends Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly have both missed practice time. Both are questionable.

There is some good news for the Bolts--after missing time with a knee injury, JK Dobbins has been activated from injured reserve and will play.

The Patriots gave the Bills a run for their money last week, and they'll attempt to play spoiler against the Chargers in good shape on the injury front—the team doesn't have any fantasy-relevant players in danger of missing Saturday's game.

Start of the Week

Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: The Patriots aren't a great fantasy matchup for wide receivers—13th in fantasy points surrendered to the position this season. But McConkey is a good bet for a robust target share in a game the Chargers badly need to win.

Sit of the Week

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: For the season, Stevenson has been a low-end RB2 for fantasy managers. That's about the best folks can expect in Week 17 against a Chargers defense that has surrendered fewer points per game than any team in the league.

Sleeper

Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Maye has quietly shown flashes for the Patriots as a rookie, and while this fantasy matchup isn't great there's more than a little chance that New England will be playing from behind in this contest.

Stat to Know

298.1. That's how many yards of offense the Patriots have averaged this season—29th in the NFL. There has been some improvement offensively as the season has worn on, but the best chance fantasy managers have of getting scores from the likes of New England tight end Hunter Henry likely lies in the Chargers getting staked to a lead and Maye and Co. playing catch-up.

Key Injuries

The Broncos are in must-win mode after last week's loss to the Chargers, but they head to the Queen City in decent shape physically—no offensive players of any real importance are on the injury report.

Every team has its share of bumps and bruises this time of year, and the Bengals are no exception—quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) have both been limited in practice. Neither is believed to be in real danger of missing Week 17, although Higgins remains listed as questionable.

Start of the Week

Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Nix has been a decent low-end fantasy QB1 this season, and the ninth-ranked signal-caller in points should have a solid game against a Bengals defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to the position.

Sit of the Week

Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: This is less about Higgins being nicked up and more about Ja'Marr Chase dominating the team's target share and the Bengals facing a Broncos defense allowing less than 220 yards per game through the air.

Sleeper

DeVaughn Vele, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: Vele only received three targets last week, but the rookie turned one of them into a touchdown. For the season, the Bengals rank 26th in the league against the pass.

Stat to Know

23.9. That's how many PPR points per game Ja'Marr Chase has averaged this season—far and away the most in the league. In fact, Chase is the only wide receiver averaging over 20 PPR points in 2024. This week's matchup with Patrick Surtain II and the Broncos isn't great, but Chase has been posting huge games regardless of matchup all season long.

Key Injuries

The Cardinals have some backfield issues this week—James Conner has a knee injury and was limited in practice to begin the week, while rookie Trey Benson is questionable with an ankle issue. Both are tentatively expected to play Saturday night.

The Rams are in better shape injury-wise. After enduring their share of injuries this season, the Rams offense is relatively healthy entering Week 17.

Start of the Week

Kyren Williams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]: Williams has been an excellent fantasy asset this year, entering Championship Week eighth in PPR points at running back. Another big game could be in the offing—Arizona is giving up just under 130 yards per game on the ground.

Sit of the Week

Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: The Cardinals aren't an especially favorable fantasy matchup for wide receivers, and over the last couple of weeks Kupp has vanished from the Rams offense—three catches for 24 yards over the last two games combined.

Sleeper

Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: This play depends on Conner and Benson sitting, but if they do Carter should see over 15 touches. He's shown some ability to post numbers in the past when the snaps have been there.

Stat to Know

1,090—the number of rushing yards Arizona's James Conner has this season, good for ninth in the league. Conner is also ninth among all running backs in PPR points. When the Redbirds drafted Trey Benson, the perception was Conner's days as Arizona's lead back were numbered. But the 29-year-old hasn't gone down without a fight. If he plays Saturday, it will be the first time in Conner's career that he has played in more than 15 games.

Key Injuries

The Colts were short a wideout in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans—Alec Pierce missed the game with a concussion. He has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will play Sunday.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson also sat out Wednesday and Thursday's practices with back and foot injuries. He was ruled out Saturday--Joe Flacco will start under center for the Colts.

The Giants had some significant injury concerns this week. Running back Tyrone Tracy (ankle) and wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) both missed Wednesday's walkthrough, while quarterback Drew Lock was limited with a shoulder issue. However, only Nabers remains on the injury report.

Start of the Week

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,900]: Taylor erupted for over 200 rushing yards and three scores a week ago against the Titans. Now Taylor faces a bumbling Giants defense that has surrendered the fifth-most PPR points to running backs this season.

Sit of the Week

Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Nabers has had his moments as a rookie, and the Colts pass defense isn't great. But the Giants are such a mess at quarterback that trusting any New York pass-catcher is a risky proposition.

Sleeper

Indianapolis Colts Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Colts have been a middling fantasy defense this season. But the Giants have a habit if making everyone look like the '85 Bears—no team in the NFC has allowed more fantasy points to defenses in 2024.

Stat to Know

47.7—the completion percentage of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson in his second professional season. There have admittedly been flashes of improvement, and Richardson remains one of the league's most dangerous signal-callers as a runner. But the Colts are going to face some tough questions about how far a quarterback who can't complete half his passes can take the franchise.

Key Injuries

It has been a miserable season for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in 2024, and now the four-time NFL MVP is dealing with an MCL injury. However, Rodgers' status for Sunday's trip to Buffalo isn't believed to be in jeopardy. Neither is that of wide receiver Davante Adams, who sat out Wednesday's practice with a hip injury.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen has an injury of his own after suffering an elbow contusion in last week's win over the New England Patriots. However, like Rodgers Allen is fully expected to play as the Bills attempt to lock in playoff seeding.

Start of the Week

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: Hall was relatively quiet last week—52 yards on the ground on 14 carries. The Bills have been kind to opposing running backs this year, surrendering the third-most PPR points to the position.

Sit of the Week

Khalil Shakir, WR, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Shakir is having the best season of his career and has a puncher's chance at logging a 1,000-yard season. However, a stout Jets secondary could make accomplishing that goal difficult.

Sleeper

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: Lazard is admittedly a desperation play—his target share of late has been far from ideal. But Rodgers trusts Lazard in the red zone, and this game has legitimate garbage time potential.

Stat to Know

90.8. That's Rodgers' passer rating in 2024, which ranks 18th in the league. The 41-year-old has indicated his first choice if he decides to play again in 2025 is a return to New York, but we won't know for a while if the feeling is mutual. Rodgers has at least been connecting with Davante Adams on the regular—over the past month only Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals has more PPR points among wideouts.

Key Injuries

The Tennessee Titans enter Week 17 with some backfield issues, as running back Tony Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury for weeks. To date the injury hasn't cost Pollard any time, but he didn't practice at all for the third consecutive week.

The Jaguars have been decimated by injuries to the likes of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Christian Kirk this year. But there aren't any new injuries of particular interest to fantasy managers to report.

Start of the Week

Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Spears averaged less than three yards per carry last week against the Colts. But he scored a pair of touchdowns and could see more touches with Tony Pollard banged up.

Sit of the Week

Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Fantasy's No. 1 rookie receiver is almost impossible to actually sit in Week 17. But the Titans lead the NFL in pass defense and have given up the fewest PPR points in the AFC to wide receivers.

Sleeper

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: Since Mason Rudolph (the Red-Nosed Reindeer) took over at quarterback for Tennessee in Week 15, Okonkwo has caught 14 passes, including eight grabs on 11 targets last week against the Colts. The Jaguars have given up the seventh-most PPR points to tight ends this year.

Stat to Know

390.9. That's how many yards the Jacksonville defense is surrendering this season—dead last in the NFL. It's a tough break that this excellent matchup is being wasted on a bad Titans offense. But if you have Tennessee wide receiver Calvin Ridley, he's worth serious consideration in Week 17—even with Rudolph under center.

Key Injuries

The Las Vegas Raiders have been savaged by injuries during a lost 2024 season—to the point where there are hardly any fantasy-relevant players left to worry about being hurt. Those few guys are OK—the Raiders injury report is short on new names.

The Saints may well have been hit even harder by injuries than Vegas. Both quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara missed Sunday's blowout loss in Green Bay, and both have been ruled out for Week 17. However, there's a chance that wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and Chris Olave (IR - concussion) could play Sunday.

Start of the Week

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: The quarterback situation in Vegas may be a mess, but Meyers has at least some "flex" appeal against a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most PPR points to wideouts this season.

Sit of the Week

Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Miller was the Saints' lead back last week with Kamara out. But the second-year pro managed just 31 total yards on 10 touches, and the Saints could easily be looking at another negative game script.

Sleeper

Las Vegas Raiders Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,600]: Last week, the Saints became the first team in the 2024 season to be shut out, while the Raiders held the Jaguars to just 14 points in a Vegas win. There's some deep-league streamer appeal here.

Stat to Know

196—the number of total yards the Saints amassed in last week's 34-0 loss to the Packers. This is a team without its starting quarterback. And starting running back. And starting tight end. Last week New Orleans was short their top three wide receivers as well. It's a barren offensive wasteland—one fantasy managers would be wise to steer clear of altogether.

Key Injuries

The Carolina Panthers remain a bad team, but it's a bad team who has played better of late. Running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) is questionable, but he practiced Friday and appears to be the right side of questionable. Rookie wideout Xavier Legette (hip) is also questionable but expected to give it a go.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't quite as fortunate heading into a must-win game. Neither tight end Cade Otton (knee) nor wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) practiced Wednesday. Both have been ruled out for Week 17.

Start of the Week

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: After 16 weeks, Mayfield sits sixth in fantasy points among quarterbacks. He's set up well for a strong finish Sunday against a Panthers team allowing the most fantasy points in the NFC to quarterbacks.

Sit of the Week

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Hubbard has been one of 2024's bigger surprises at running back, but the sledding won't be easy Sunday against a Buccaneers defense giving up just 104 yards per game on the ground.

Sleeper

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Young has gone from a bust who was benched to looking like the quarterback the Panthers drafted him to be. Over the past month, Young is eighth at his position in fantasy points.

Stat to Know

182. That's how many receiving yards Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans needs to hit 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season, which would break his own NFL record. If Tampa's last meeting with the Panthers is any indication, Evans may pull it off—he caught eight passes for 118 yards and a touchdown against Carolina a few weeks ago.

Key Injuries

The biggest fantasy injury in this NFC East showdown is undoubtedly Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol and will sit out Sunday's game. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett is also banged up—he was limited in practice this week with a rib injury.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been battling a shoulder injury much of the season. After aggravating it last week Dallas has decided enough is enough--Lamb's 2024 campaign is over.

Start of the Week

A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]: Brown survived the change at quarterback a week ago, largely because he was peppered with targets by Kenny Pickett. That should be the case again Sunday against a beatable Dallas secondary.

Sit of the Week

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Dowdle's string of 100-yard rushing games came to a crashing end last week against Tampa. Now he faces an Eagles team that has given up the fewest PPR points to running backs this season.

Sleeper

Kenny Pickett, QB, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: The Eagles lost last week, but Pickett actually played fairly well. The Cowboys have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.

Stat to Know

281.7—the NFL-low number of yards per game the Philadelphia defense has surrendered this season. The Eagles lead the NFL in pass defense. Rank ninth in the league against the run. And have allowed the fifth-fewest points per game in the league. Philly can be had—see Washington's 22-point fourth quarter last week. But it won't be easy for Dallas to generate offense in Week 17.

Key Injuries

The Browns have a trio of banged-up pass-catchers in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) and Cedric Tillman (concussion) and tight end David Njoku. The wide receivers were limited in practice Wednesday. So was quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf). Njoku and Tillman have been ruled out, but Jeudy and DTR should play.

The Miami Dolphins have wideout problems of their own. Jaylen Waddle missed Week 16 and is questionable after limited practices Thursday and Friday. Tyreek Hill is battling a wrist injury, but that has been the case most of the season, and Hill has played through it. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a similarly nagging hip injury and was surprisngly downgraded to doubtful Saturday.

Start of the Week

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: Hill scored a week ago, but even he admitted that his performance could have been much better. He's ripe to go ballistic this week against a Cleveland secondary allowing the eighth-most PPR points to wide receivers this year. With that said, if Tua sits, all bets are off.

Sit of the Week

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Jeudy has had the best season of his career, but the change at quarterback to Thompson-Robinson devastated his fantasy value. Throw in a bad matchup with the Dolphins, and Jeudy is a hard pass in Week 17.

Sleeper

Malik Washington, WR, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: Washington didn't post big numbers a week ago, but a potential role as Miami's No. 2 wide receiver in a plus fantasy matchup with Cleveland gets him on the "sleeper" radar in deeper leagues.

Stat to Know

43.2. That's Dorian Thompson-Robinson's career passer rating. There is absolutely no way to sugar-coat this—Thompson-Robinson is a terrible NFL quarterback. Like historically bad. Why the Browns are starting him rhymes with blanking. But so long as he's under center in Cleveland, Njoku and running back Jerome Ford are the only startable Browns—and Njoku is hurt.

Key Injuries

The Packers could be short-handed at wide receiver in this vital NFC North clash—Christian Watson didn't practice all week after injuring his knee Monday night. Tight ends Tucker Kraft (hip) and Luke Musgrave (ankle) were limited early in the week but are off the injury report.

The Minnesota Vikings, on the other hand, have no fantasy-relevant injuries to report as they try to keep pace for the NFC North title and No. 1 seed in the conference. When you're getting the breaks, you're getting the breaks.

Start of the Week

Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Green Bay's wide receivers can be unpredictable, but the absence of Watson could mean extra targets for Reed against a Vikings team who leads the league in PPR points given up to wide receivers.

Sit of the Week

Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,100]: Quite a few fantasy teams with Jacobs probably got bounced after he took the second half of last week's blowout win off. Now he gets a Vikings defense that is every bit as good against the run as they are bad against the pass.

Sleeper

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Wicks only had three catches for 13 yards a week ago, but he was targeted seven times and scored a touchdown. The Vikings have allowed 248.7 yards per game through the air—fourth-most in the league.

Stat to Know

92.5—the number of receiving yards that Justin Jefferson of the Vikings is averaging this year, which is actually off his career average. Jefferson is quietly on his way to another 100-catch, 1,500-yard season, but he's so good it feels—routine. That he and Ja'Marr Chase were teammates with Joe Burrow at LSU goes a long way toward explaining why that Tigers team may be the best single-season squad in the history of college football.

Key Injuries

The Atlanta Falcons control their destiny in the NFC South, but there was an injury scare earlier in the week—star wide receiver Drake London was limited in practice by a hamstring ailment, but he's off the injury report and good to go.

In the midst of a career season, the last thing fantasy managers want to consider is a Week 17 without Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. But that appeared a possibility after McLaurin missed practice time with an ankle injury. So did fellow wideout Dyami Brown, who has been ruled out with a bad hamstring. McLaurin, on the other hand, is off the injury report ahead of Sunday night's contest.

Start of the Week

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]: If McLaurin can't play this becomes a riskier play, but Daniels is coming off a gonzo performance against the Eagles and the Falcons have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Sit of the Week

Brian Robinson, Jr., Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Game script made Robinson a non-factor last week against Philly, and now he takes on a Falcons team surprisingly surrendering the ninth-fewest PPR points this season to running backs.

Sleeper

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: This game is rather short on "sleepers," but after a hot start to the season Mooney had been snoozing before hauling in five passes for 82 yards in last week's blowout win over the New York Giants.

Stat to Know

51. That's how many receiving yards Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has accrued—over the past five weeks combined. Over half of those yards (28) came in one game—he didn't have 15 receiving yards in any of the other four. Pitts caught one of his two targets last week. That the other careened off his hands for an interception pretty much sums up his 2024 season.

Key Injuries

As the Detroit Lions try to cap the most successful regular season in franchise history, the team has defensive injuries galore to contend with. But outside the loss of running back David Montgomery a couple of weeks ago, Detroit's loaded offense remains essentially intact.

If the 49ers could say the same, the team may not have missed the postseason in 2024. However, running back Isaac Guerendo looks to be on track to play Monday night, so at least the third-string guy is healthy again.

Been that kinda season in Santa Clara.

Start of the Week

Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: The emergence of Jennings has been of the few offensive bright spots this season in San Francisco, and the Lions have given up the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers.

Sit of the Week

Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Goff legitimately deserves MVP consideration, and the Lions can move the football on any defense. But the 49ers have been stingy to opposing quarterbacks this year—28th in fantasy points given up to the position.

Sleeper

Detroit Lions Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: The 49ers haven't been an especially favorable fantasy matchup, and the Lions defense has been chewed to pieces by injuries. But the Lions are fantasy's No. 8 defense for the season, and had the Niners not had bad luck this season, they wouldn't have had any.

Stat to Know

19.4—the number of PPR points per game that Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is averaging, which ranks second at the position. Sure, Gibbs' production has gone up since Montgomery got hurt, but he was already a star before the injury. Gibbs has done something this year that neither Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley nor Baltimore's Derrick Henry have—not once this season has Gibbs failed to score 10 PPR points in a game.