After 17 weeks of football, the NFL regular season ends on Sunday (cue the sad music). For many, their fantasy seasons are over. However, some leagues go right to the wire. For those still playing fantasy, here are the best starts and must sits for Week 17 of the NFL season.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Phillip Rivers vs Oakland Raiders
With one final chance to salvage the Chargers season, Phillip Rivers is the start of the week at quarterback. After starting 0-4, Rivers and the Chargers have gone 8-3 over the last 11 games. Over those games, Rivers is averaging 275 yards passing and has a 19-6 TD-INT ratio. He gets a great matchup against the Raiders in Week 17.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Jared Goff vs San Francisco 49ers
All but locked into the four spot, the Rams may take a conservative approach against the 49ers in Week 17. Goff had a stellar game against the 49ers earlier in the season, tossing three touchdowns and 292 yards in a 41-39 win. Overall, it is unlikely Goff throws enough passes to match his Week 3 totals.
Start of the Week Running Back – Ezekiel Elliott vs Philadelphia Eagles
After last week’s debacle against Seattle, Jason Garrett needs to show in Week 17 that he can still effectively use Ezekiel Elliott. If he fails against the hated Eagles, there is a good chance Jason Garrett (despite what Jerry Jones said on Tuesday). Utilizing Zeke is one of the keys to Dallas’ success going forward. Expect Garrett to feed Zeke the ball or watch the Cowboys find someone who will in 2018.
Sit of the Week Running Back – Kareem Hunt vs Denver Broncos
Rookies do not usually get the same amount of rest as veterans in Week 17, but Kareem Hunt may be an exception this year. Hunt is running with purpose again, after a mid-season lull. If the Chiefs want to make noise in the playoffs, they will need Hunt to be fresh. Expect a series or two out of Hunt, before seeing him to ride the bench the rest of the game.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Sterling Shepard vs Washington Redskins
In one of the meaningless, 1:00 PM EST NFL matchups, you find the start of the week at wide receiver. In what could be Eli Manning’s last game as a Giant, expect the team to step it up big against their division rival. Shepard is two weeks removed from his best fantasy game of the season. Look for him to challenge those numbers (11-139-1) in Week 17.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Adam Thielen vs Chicago Bears
There are a few reasons to sit Adam Thielen in Week 17 of the NFL season. First is the Vikings may rest players in Week 17. Although they have not yet locked up a second-round bye, they need a lot to happen to slip to three. Because of this, they may opt to sit some players in the second half of this game. Second is Thielen’s limited success against the Bears in his career. Thielen has 81 yards in his last three games against the Bears with no touchdowns.
Start of the Week Tight End – Jimmy Graham vs Arizona Cardinals
It has been a rough stretch for Jimmy Graham the last three weeks. The Pro Bowl tight end did little to warrant his selection, catching two passes for two yards in three games. Outside of a touchdown in Week 16, Graham totalled -0.1 fantasy points in three games. Graham has a chance to redeem himself this week. His last game against the Cardinals, game caught six passes for 27 yards and two scores. Give Graham a chance in this must-win game for the Seahawks.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Rob Gronkowski vs New York Jets
If there is one thing the Patriots cannot happen going into the NFL playoffs, it is a Rob Gronkowski injury. Expect Gronk to play this game sparingly, with his usage in the middle of the field (which is where he makes his bread and butter) limited.
Start of the Week Defense – Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens will try to bookend their season with dominant defensive performances against the Bengals. The Ravens, who have been one of the best fantasy defenses this season, got off to a hot start when they record four picks and four sacks in a 20-0 victory over the Bengals in Week 1. With the home crowd at their backs, the Ravens should have another good game against a Bengals squad with nothing left.
Sit of the Week Defense – Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans
A conservative approach feels about right from the Jaguars on Sunday. Returning to the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Jaguars will not want to risk any serious injuries in Week 17. Publicly, they have stated that they are going to be playing in this game and putting forth their regular effort. Behind closed doors, it seems like a much more sound strategy for this team to be resting players – at least for a half. They’ll need these guys if they are going to succeed in the playoffs. Expect to see some backups in this game, which hurts the over prospects for the Jags defense in Week 17.
Start of the Week Kicker – Matt Bryant vs Carolina Panthers
Returning home, with a “win and your in” scenario, the Atlanta Falcons will need the most out of their team to beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Getting points on the board will be critical. Expect Bryant, who has 157 points in 22 games against Carolina, to play a prominent role on this NFL Sunday.
Sit of the Week Kicker – Harrison Butker vs Denver Broncos
With the Kansas City Chiefs starting a rookie quarterback in Week 17, it is difficult to forecast their offensive capabilities. Seeing Mahomes hit Hill for a deep touchdown seems reasonable. However, multiple medium-to-long drives resulting in field goals, tougher to predict. For that reason, it is best to leave Butker on the bench. The Chiefs offense won’t be moving the ball so easily this week. They probably won’t be in field goal range as often, which means there are better options for you.
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