Week 17 of the NFL season is always a challenging week for fantasy football owners. Between injuries, players resting and teams phoning it in, who knows what to expect. Although there is little that can be done about teams resting players or players simply not trying, it is possible to deal with pre-existing injuries. The following players have all been relevant in fantasy this season, but they enter Week 17 with some form of injury.
Their injuries will impact have a large impact on NFL fantasy in Week 17.
Marquise Goodwin, WR
San Francisco 49ers
One of the more significant surprises in the NFL this season, Marquise Goodwin, is dealing with a back injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but is hopeful to play on Sunday.
Who Benefits: Trent Taylor. If Goodwin is a no-go on Sunday, Trent Taylor is the top choice to fill in. Taylor is of a similar size to Goodwin but possesses a very different skillset (Taylor is a true slot, while Goodwin is a deep threat). Even though they are different, expect the 49ers to try the rookie out in various roles. The 49ers have nothing to play for, but next season. Seeing what they have out of players like Taylor is an intelligent move for them going forward.
Melvin Gordon, RB
Los Angeles Chargers
Melvin Gordon was seen in a walking boot after the Los Angeles Chargers’ win in Week 16. Although he claims he will be ready to play on Sunday, his status for the game is questionable.
Who Benefits: Austin Ekeler. If Gordon cannot go on Sunday, the Chargers will turn to rookie running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler’s rookie season has been great, totalling over 500 yards of offense and five touchdowns on just 74 touches. Ekeler’s season high in total was 15. In that game, Ekeler had 119 yards and two touchdowns. If he gets the full workload on Sunday, who knows how great he can play.
DeMarco Murray, RB
Tennessee Titans
An injury to the MCL has likely ended the season of DeMarco Murray.
Who Benefits: Derrick Henry. With Murray out, Derrick Henry will take over as the primary running back for the Titans. Henry’s role in the offense has expanded from last season. However, Murray still saw the majority of the snaps on third down. With Murray out, Henry will have a great chance at topping his season high of two receptions in a game. There is also a good chance Henry will surpass the 20 carry threshold for the first time this season.
Evan Engram, TE
New York Giants
One of the best rookies in the NFL this season, Evan Engram, is questionable to play in Week 17. X-rays show only bruised ribs for Engram, but his status for Sunday is still questionable.
Who Benefits: Shane Vereen. The Giants have turned Engram into a great short yardage and red zone target this season. If he cannot play, Shane Vereen may see a significant share of Engram’s targets go his direction. Vereen did not touch the ball on Sunday. In his previous 14 games, he had three receptions or more ten times. Although he is not likely to have a big game on Sunday, he could play as a low-cost flex option in larger leagues.
Isaiah Crowell, RB
Cleveland Browns
With a lingering shoulder injury and a new injury to his ribs, Isaiah Crowell’s status for the Cleveland Browns’ finale is currently questionable.
Who Benefits: Duke Johnson. If Crowell is ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Duke Johnson will be the biggest benefactor. Johnson is primarily a receiving back, but he effective running the ball (averaging 4.3 yards per attempt this season). Without Crowell to take the bulk of the carries, Johnson will undoubtedly see enough touches to top 1000 yards from scrimmage this season (he is currently at 946 yards). If Johnson is the lead back, expect him to top his season-high 16 touches in a game. With enough carries, in addition to his receiving abilities, Johnson is a sneaky pick to be a top-12 running back in Week 17.
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