Fantasy football championships hang in the balance in Week 17. Every lineup decision carries immense importance with league titles and bragging rights on the line. To gain a critical edge, managers are scouring for the most reliable start/sit advice and analysis.
Week 17 Fantasy Outlook
Week 17 presents unique challenges. Crucial players could be rested if NFL playoff seeds are locked up. Late-season surgers and unsung backups have the chance to emerge as fantasy heroes. Matchups can make or break a championship run. With so much at stake, getting start/sit decisions right is vital.
Weighing Upside vs. Risk
The age-old debate rages on: do you start your studs regardless of matchup or get cute with upside plays in good spots? Generally, most experts land on starting your studs as the wisest path. But calculated risks with high-ceiling options in plus matchups can pay off big too.
- Studs to trust: Even in tough matchups, elite talents can buck the trends. Don’t outsmart yourself by benching a CMC or Mahomes at this critical point.
- Justified risks: If you’re a heavy underdog, taking some shots on ascending players or backups thrust into bigger roles against weak defenses is defensible.
Matchups to Target and Avoid
Not all matchups are created equal. Especially in Week 17, exploiting tasty matchups and shying away from brutal ones is key. Dig into the defensive statistics and find the pass funnels and run funnels to attack.
- Attackable pass defenses: Colts, Cardinals, Texans, Raiders, Rams, Steelers, Titans
- Attackable run defenses: Bears, Bills, Cardinals, Chargers, Bengals, Lions, Packers
Opportunity is everything in fantasy, and Week 17 always brings some surprise volume for unheralded players. Work the waiver wire and take some upside swings.
– Adam Levitan, Fantasy Football Expert
Week 17 Start/Sit Advice
Let’s dive into some key players to consider starting and some to avoid in fantasy championship week, according to the most trusted experts and analysts in the industry.
Quarterbacks
Start: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Josh Allen (BUF), Joe Burrow (CIN), Justin Herbert (LAC), Dak Prescott (DAL), Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Sit: Mac Jones (NE), Jared Goff (DET), Kenny Pickett (PIT), Mike White (NYJ), Taylor Heinicke (WAS)
Running Backs
Start: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Derrick Henry (TEN), Saquon Barkley (NYG), Dalvin Cook (MIN), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX)
Sit: D’Onta Foreman (CAR), J.K. Dobbins (BAL), Damien Harris (NE), AJ Dillon (GB), Kareem Hunt (CLE)
Wide Receivers
Start: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Davante Adams (LV), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Tee Higgins (CIN)
Sit: Allen Lazard (MIA), Gabe Davis (BUF), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Brandin Cooks (HOU), Mike Evans (TB)
Tight Ends
Start: Travis Kelce (KC), Mark Andrews (BAL), George Kittle (SF), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Darren Waller (LV)
Sit: Dalton Schultz (DAL), Gerald Everett (LAC), Logan Thomas (WAS), Hayden Hurst (CIN)
At the end of the day, trust your process that got you to the fantasy championship. Don’t tinker too much or get too cute – play your studs with confidence.
– Matthew Berry, Fantasy Football Expert
Injury Impact on Lineup Decisions
Unfortunately, injuries always play a huge role this late in the season. And Week 17 is no exception. Several star players enter championship week at less than 100%:
- Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI (shoulder)
- Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (hamstring)
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF (ankle)
- Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU (ankle)
Have contingency plans ready to go. Scour for late-breaking injury news leading up to kickoffs. Prioritize starting healthy players in good situations if any of your studs are legitimately questionable.
Making the Tough Calls
Fantasy championships often come down to making the right lineup decisions in one or two coin-flip situations. Is it the steady performer with a tough matchup or the hot hand in a better spot? Do you swing for the fences with an emerging rookie or play it safe with a veteran?
At the end of the day, go with your gut instinct. Combine all the data, matchups, and expert opinions. Consider upside vs. safety based on your opponent. Then make the call you can live with, win or lose. No regrets in Week 17 – leave it all on the field.
Bringing It Home
Week 17 represents the culmination of the fantasy football season. Championships bring glory and bragging rights forever. To bring home the hardware, managers must make wise start/sit choices across their lineups. A prepared, informed, and decisive approach is needed.
Trust the expert insights. Exploit the matchups. Take calculated risks. Be ready to pivot. Most importantly, have fun and appreciate the epic ride it took to get here. When that championship squad is immortalized on the league trophy, every tough call made along the way will feel worth it. Best of luck in Week 17!
