Author: Brandon Murchison, Staff Writer
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great matchup against a Raiders defense that is ready for the season to wrap up. Start Rivers with confidence.
Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) at Rams: Garoppolo will be looking to end the season on a high note with a road win against the Rams. Los Angeles will likely be resting most of their starters, which will give Garoppolo an opportunity to fill up the stat sheet.
Running Backs
Jamaal Williams could be in for a big game with the backfield all to himself. Credit: Associated Press
Derrick Henry (Titans) vs. Jaguars: With DeMarco Murray ruled out for Week 17, Henry will get a full complement of carries. Jacksonville is expected to rest most of their starters, which means Henry will get a run at second-string defenders. Expect Henry to post low-end RB1 numbers.
Jamaal Williams (Packers) at Lions: Like Henry, the opportunity for a big afternoon is there for Williams. Aaron Jones has been ruled out, giving the backfield exclusively to Williams. His matchup against a bad Lions run defense is enough to make you want to add him to your lineup.
Wide Receivers
Mike Wallace (Ravens) vs. Bengals: Wallace comes in slightly hampered, but with the Ravens trying to lock down playoff seeding, look for him to play and do well. The Bengals’ defense has been playing poorly in recent weeks, so look for Wallace to capitalize on the matchup. He should easily be considered a WR3.
Paul Richardson (Seahawks) vs. Cardinals: The Seahawks will know their playoff fate by the time this game kicks off, and if eliminated, Richardson could end up being the top receiving option. With plenty of targets likely headed his way, plug him in and expect WR3/Flex type numbers.
Tight End
Eric Ebron (Lions) vs. Packers: Ebron has been Fantasy’s top tight end over the last three weeks and I expect that to continue in Week 17. Do not hesitate to start him.
Kicker
Matt Bryant (Falcons) vs. Panthers: Atlanta will be looking to lock up the final NFC playoff spot, so you can expect the offense to be hitting on all cylinders. Bryant should receive a number of opportunities for points.
Defense
Broncos vs. Chiefs: Kansas City will be giving rookie Patrick Mahomes the start at quarterback and his debut comes against the Broncos’ defense. Denver is a difficult team for a QB to face when making his first start, so expect the Broncos to apply plenty of pressure.
Sit’em
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott (Cowboys) at Eagles: Prescott will play the full game, but look for most of the offense to go through Ezekiel Elliott in this one. Prescott offers very low upside.
Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) vs. Browns: Although he’s not been officially ruled out for this game, you must proceed as though Roethlisberger will not be available. Play it safe and bench him because Landry Jones will likely get the bulk of the snaps.
Running Backs
Leonard Fournette (Jaguars) at Titans: Fournette is in a scenario similar to Roethlisberger. While he’s not been ruled out, I expect the Jaguars to rest him.
Jay Ajayi (Eagles) vs. Cowboys: Ajayi’s potential is limited by the number of snaps that he plays and there’s a chance he plays very little or not at all. The Eagles use too many backs to expect Ajayi to put up starter numbers.
Wide Receivers
Brandin Cooks (Patriots) vs. Jets: Call it a hunch, but I expect Cooks to play the role of a decoy in this game. His targets in this game could be very low, as the Patriots try to grind the clock down to finish as the number one seed in the AFC.
DeAndre Hopkins (Texans) @ Colts: Hopkins has been officially ruled out for this game, so pull him from your lineups. Will Fuller and Braxton Miller should get a solid number of targets.
Tight End
Evan Engram (Giants) vs. Redskins: The Giants have decided to give the rookie the final week off; you should do the same.
Kicker
Graham Gano (Panthers) vs. Falcons: The Falcons will be playing red hot in this game, and I don’t expect much from Cam Newton and the Panthers’ offense. Gano’s chances to score could be quite limited. Look for another option here.
Defense
Cardinals at Seahawks: The Seahawks could potentially put a big number on the board, so don’t expect much from the Cardinals’ defense. There should be another option on the waiver wire worth streaming this week.
