Tag: fantasy football week 17

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: NFL Week 17

Week 17 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 17 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR Malik Nabers (active), WR Davante Adams (active)
Afternoon games: QB Tua Tagovailoa (inactive), WR Jaylen Waddle (inactive), WR Tyreek Hill (active), WR Christian Watson (inactive)
Sunday night:
Monday night:

Early games

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 52°F, cloudy, calm

Jets

Inactives: CB Jaylin Simpson, PK Anders Carlson, LB Braiden McGregor, DB Kendall Sheffield, CB Qwan’tez Stiggers and CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse

Lineup notes: WR Davante Adams (hip) and CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring) were both questionable but will give it a go. QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) practiced all week and will play.

bills

Inactives: LB Nicholas Morrow, DL Austin X. Johnson, CB Kaiir Elam, OT Tylan Grable, S Lewis Cine, WR Curtis Samuel and S Damar Hamlin

Lineup notes: S Damar Hamlin (ribs) and WR Curtis Samuel (ribs) won’t be out there. S Taylor Rapp (neck) was limited all week but is available. TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) and QB Josh Allen (shoulder, elbow) practiced all week and will play.

Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Raiders

Inactives: DL Adam Butler, S Christopher Smith II, LB Kana’i Mauga, CB Darnay Holmes, QB Carter Bradley and OG Jordan Meredith

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Saints

Inactives: DT John Ridgeway, RB Alvin Kamara, LB Anfernee Orji, RB Jordan Mims, QB Derek Carr, DT Khristian Boyd and WR Mason Tipton

Lineup notes: C Erik McCoy (elbow) and C/OG Lucas Patrick (knee) were placed on IR. QB Derek Carr (hand) and RB Alvin Kamara (groin) are out. WR Chris Olave (concussion) remains on IR and will not play. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and TE Juwan Johnson (foot) will play. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire was elevated from the practice squad.

Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 55°F, mostly clear, calm

Colts

Inactives: DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, QB Anthony Richardson, LB Isaiah Land, TE Will Mallory and OG Dalton Tucker

Lineup notes: QB Anthony Richardson (back, foot) was downgraded to out, so QB Joe Flacco will return to the lineup. LB E.J. Speed (knee) and LG Quenton Nelson (ankle) will be out there. WR Alec Pierce (concussion) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back) had full sessions Friday and will play.

Giants

Inactives: C John Michael Schmitz, DT Cory Durden, QB Tim Boyle, CB Greg Stroman, WR Dee Williams and LB Micah McFadden

Lineup notes: LB Bobby Okereke (back) landed on IR, ending his season. LB Micah McFadden (neck) is out. WR Malik Nabers (toe) is active despite being questionable. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) had limited action Friday but will play. QB Drew Lock will start again.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 62°F, cloudy, SSE 10 mph

Cowboys

Inactives: CB Kemon Hall, OG T.J. Bass, OT Matt Waletzko, LB Tyrus Wheat, RB Deuce Vaughn, DT Justin Rogers and TE Princeton Fant

Lineup notes: WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) was placed on IR. LB Eric Kendricks (calf), WR Jalen Tolbert (finger), WR Jalen Brooks (knee), LB Nick Vigil (foot) and SS Donovan Wilson (knee) are all available.

Eagles

Inactives: QB Jalen Hurts, OG Darian Kinnard, LB Nakobe Dean, OG Trevor Keegan, OL Nick Gates, QB Ian Book and RB Will Shipley

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is on IR and out until at least Week 18. QB Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) also is out. LB Nakobe Dean (abdomen) is inactive. QB Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited Wednesday, but he had full practices the rest of the week and will start.

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 73°F, cloudy, SE 11 mph

Panthers

Inactives: QB Jack Plummer, OG Taylor Moton, CB Jaycee Horn, WR Deven Thompkins, S Jordan Fuller and LB Josey Jewell

Lineup notes: RB Chuba Hubbard (calf) went from questionable to IR in a day’s time. RB Raheem Blackshear is expected to start, and Carolina elevated RB Mike Boone from the practice squad. LB Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps) is out. CB Jaycee Horn (hip) and RT Taylor Moton (knee) were idle all week and are inactive. WR Xavier Legette (hip, wrist) was limited Thursday and Friday and is questionable. WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (shoulder, back) were limited Thursday and Friday but will play. QB Bryce Young (hamstring) practiced all week and will play, too.

Buccaneers

Inactives: S Antoine Winfield Jr., QB Michael Pratt, WR Sterling Shepard, DE Jose Ramirez, TE Cade Otton, OG Royce Newman and LB Shaquil Barrett

Lineup notes: S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee), TE Cade Otton (knee) and WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring, foot) are out. WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) and S Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) were activated from IR. S Mike Edwards (illness) practiced Thursday and Friday, and he’s good to go.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 73°F, cloudy, calm

Titans

Inactives: S Amani Hooker, WR Jha’Quan Jackson, OG Dillon Radunz, RB Tony Pollard, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, PK Nick Folk and LB Otis Reese

Lineup notes: LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring) went on IR to end his season. PK Nick Folk (abdomen) is out, and RB Tony Pollard (ankle) was downgraded on Saturday from questionable to join him. S Amani Hooker (shoulder) also was downgraded to out. WR Tyler Boyd (foot) is available. PK Matthew Wright was signed to the active roster.

Jaguars

Inactives: S Darnell Savage, DE Tyler Lacy, LB Ventrell Miller, OT Walker Little and DE Esezi Otomewo

Lineup notes: TE Evan Engram (shoulder) is on IR. LT Walker Little (ankle) and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle) are out.

Late-afternoon window

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 59°F, cloudy, SE 13 mph

Dolphins

Inactives: C Andrew Meyer, LB Anthony Walker, WR Jaylen Waddle, QB Tua Tagovailoa, LB Mohamed Kamara, CB Nik Needham and WR Erik Ezukanma

Lineup notes: QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) won’t go, which means QB Tyler Huntley gets the start. WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) also couldn’t get right in time, but WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) and LT Terron Armstead (knee) will play.

Browns

Inactives: DE Ogbo Okoronkwo, QB Jameis Winston, WR Cedric Tillman, CB Chigozie Anusiem and TE David Njoku

Lineup notes: TE David Njoku (knee) and WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) are out. Both were limited Friday. WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) was limited in practice all week, but he’ll play. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) was limited up until a full session Friday, and he’s good to go.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Packers

Inactives: OT Andre Dillard, WR Christian Watson, S Evan Williams, CB Omar Brown, LB Quay Walker and CB Jaire Alexander

Lineup notes: CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Quay Walker (ankle) are out. WR Christian Watson (knee) was questionable but isn’t available this week.

Vikings

Inactives: DT Levi Drake Rodriguez, OG Dan Feeney, DB Fabian Moreau and OT Walter Rouse

Lineup notes: S Harrison Smith (foot) carries no injury tag after full practices Thursday and Friday. LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) was activated from IR.

Sunday Night Football

Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 57°F, cloudy, SSE 11 mph

Falcons

Inactives: OT Brandon Parker, DE Brandon Dorlus, OT Elijah Wilkinson, RB Carlos Washington Jr., OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr., WR Casey Washington and CB Kevin King

Lineup notes: WR Drake London (knee) was limited up to Friday, when he had a full session. He’ll play.

Commanders

Inactives: OT Andrew Wylie, CB Marshon Lattimore, QB Jeff Driskel, S Dominique Hampton, S Tyler Owens, LB Jordan Magee and WR Dyami Brown

Lineup notes: RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) and WR Noah Brown (kidney) are on IR. WR Dyami Brown (hamstring), RT Andrew Wylie (groin) and CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) are out. DT Jonathan Allen (pectoral) was activated from IR. WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) was limited Thursday before a full practice Friday, and he’ll play.

Monday Night Football

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 51°F, mostly cloudy, calm

Lions

Lineup notes: RB David Montgomery (knee) was ruled out but has yet to be placed on IR. WR Kalif Raymond (foot) also won’t play.

49ers

Lineup notes: RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) and RB Jordan Mason (ankle) remain on IR. LT Trent Williams (ankle) joined them this week. RB Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) avoided an injury designation. DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) will play, but LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) is out. S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) is good to go, though CB Charvarius Ward (personal) was downgraded to out. LG Aaron Banks (knee) and LT Spencer Burford (calf) won’t play. RT Colton McKivitz (knee) and S Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) are questionable.

Saturday inactives, injuries and weather: NFL Week 17

Week 17 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Saturday slate.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 17 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early game: RB J.K. Dobbins (active)
Afternoon game: WR Tee Higgins (active)
Saturday night: RB James Conner (active), RB Trey Benson (inactive)

Early game

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 40°F, foggy, calm

Chargers

Inactives: LB Denzel Perryman, OT Trey Pipkins, QB Easton Stick, OG Jordan McFadden, RB Gus Edwards, DE Justin Eboigbe and TE Hayden Hurst

Lineup notes: RB Gus Edwards (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) are out. RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) was activated from IR and will play. TE Will Dissly (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice and is ready to return despite the questionable tag. TE Hayden Hurst (illness) won’t be available.

Patriots

Inactives: OG Sidy Sow, OG Ben Brown, RB Terrell Jennings, QB Joe Milton III, OG Tyrese Robinson and SS Jabrill Peppers

Lineup notes: C Ben Brown (concussion) is out, and FS Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) was declared inactive. C Cole Strange (knee) and SS Kyle Dugger (ankle, illness) were all limited all week but will play.

Late-afternoon game

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (4:30 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 57°F, cloudy, calm

Broncos

Inactives: WR David Sills, DT Matt Henningsen, RB Blake Watson, DT Eyioma Uwazurike, OT Frank Crum, LB Levelle Bailey and QB Zach Wilson

Lineup notes: RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) had full practices Wednesday and Thursday, and he’ll play.

Bengals

Inactives: DL Sheldon Rankins, TE Tanner Hudson, OT Andrew Stueber, WR Charlie Jones and DE Sam Hubbard

Lineup notes: DE Sam Hubbard (knee) is out again. WR Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was a game-time decision but is indeed active. QB Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) was limited all week, but he’ll play. LT Orlando Brown (leg) upgraded to full practices Wednesday and Thursday, and he is ready to return.

Saturday Night Football

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (8:10 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 55°F, cloudy, calm (open-air dome)

Cardinals

Inactives: S Jammie Robinson, S Joey Blount, TE Travis Vokolek, RB Trey Benson, LB Benton Whitley, LB Milo Eifler and WR Xavier Weaver

Lineup notes: LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and RT Jonah Williams (knee) were placed on IR. PK Matt Prater (knee) is out. RB Trey Benson (ankle) won’t play through his questionable tag, but RB James Conner (knee) is ready to roll. LG Evan Brown (neck) and LB Baron Browning (neck) also were questionable but will give it a whirl.

Rams

Inactives: RB Cody Schrader, QB Stetson Bennett, C Dylan McMahon, WR Tyler Johnson and OT Rob Havenstein

Lineup notes: RT Rob Havenstein (shoulder) couldn’t get right in time.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 17

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 17.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 7:00 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 17 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: RB James Conner, RB Chuba Hubbard, WR Tee Higgins, RB J.K. Dobbins, TE Will Dissly, WR Christian Watson, QB Anthony Richardson, WR Malik Nabers, WR Chris Olave, QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle, WR Tyreek Hill, WR Davante Adams, RB Tony Pollard

ARIZONA CARDINALS – Saturday game
PK Matt Prater (knee) is out. RB Trey Benson (ankle) and RB James Conner (knee) are both questionable after limited work all week. It sounds like Conner is expected to play, and Benson will be a game-time decision. OG Evan Brown (neck) and LB Baron Browning (neck) also are questionable after limited action all week.

ATLANTA FALCONS
WR Drake London (knee) was limited up to Friday, when he had a full session. He’ll play.

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Played Wednesday
RB Justice Hill (concussion) was out. 

BUFFALO BILLS 
WR Curtis Samuel (ribs), S Taylor Rapp (neck) and S Damar Hamlin (ribs) are all questionable after limited work all week. TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) and QB Josh Allen (shoulder, elbow) practiced all week and will play.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
LB Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps) is out. CB Jaycee Horn (hip) and OT Taylor Moton (knee) were idle all week and are doubtful. RB Chuba Hubbard (knee) sat Wednesday and was limited the rest of the week. He’s questionable. WR Xavier Legette (hip, wrist) was limited Thursday and Friday and is questionable. WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (shoulder, back) were limited Thursday and Friday but will play. QB Bryce Young (hamstring) practiced all week and will play, too.

CHICAGO BEARS – Played Thursday
C Ryan Bates (concussion) went on IR for the rest of the season. LG Teven Jenkins (calf) was out.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – Saturday game
DE Sam Hubbard (knee) is out again. WR Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) is questionable after limited work all week. QB Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) was limited all week, but he’ll play. LT Orlando Brown (leg) upgraded to full practices Wednesday and Thursday, and he is poised to return.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 
RB Nick Chubb (foot) had his season end on IR again with a broken foot. TE David Njoku (knee) and WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) are out. Both were limited Friday. WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) was limited in practice all week, but he’ll play. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) was limited up until a full session Friday, and he’s good to go.

DALLAS COWBOYS
WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is out. LB Eric Kendricks (calf), WR Jalen Tolbert (finger) and WR Jalen Brooks (knee), LB Nick Vigil (foot) and SS Donovan Wilson (knee) are all questionable after limited work Friday.

DENVER BRONCOS – Saturday game
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) had full practices Wednesday and Thursday, and he’ll play.

DETROIT LIONS – Monday night
RB David Montgomery (knee) has yet to log a practice this week.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Quay Walker (ankle) are out. WR Christian Watson (knee) is questionable after sitting out all week.

HOUSTON TEXANS – Played Wednesday
WR Tank Dell (knee) landed on IR after a significant knee injury. OG Juice Scruggs (foot) was out.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
LB E.J. Speed (knee), OG Quenton Nelson (ankle) and QB Anthony Richardson (back, foot) are all questionable. Speed had a full practice Friday; Nelson was limited, and Richardson was idle. WR Alec Pierce (concussion) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back) had full sessions Friday and will play.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
TE Evan Engram (shoulder) is on IR. OT Walker Little (ankle) and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle) are out.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Played Wednesday
OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and DT Chris Jones (calf) were out.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS – Saturday game
RB Gus Edwards (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) are out. RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) and TE Will Dissly (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice, and they look ready to return despite the questionable tag. TE Hayden Hurst (illness) was out Thursday, and he’s questionable.

LOS ANGELES RAMS – Saturday game
OT Rob Havenstein (shoulder) didn’t practice Thursday and is questionable.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
WR Jaylen Waddle (knee), QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip),  WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) and LT Terron Armstead (knee) are all questionable after limited work Friday.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS 
S Harrison Smith (foot) carries no injury tag after full practices Thursday and Friday.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – Saturday game
OG Cole Strange (knee), FS Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and SS Kyle Dugger (ankle, illness) were all limited all week and are questionable. 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 
QB Derek Carr (hand) and RB Alvin Kamara (groin) are out. WR Chris Olave (concussion) remains on IR and has been a full participant in practice all week. He’s questionable. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) is questionable as well after limited work this week. TE Juwan Johnson (foot) had a full practice Friday and will play.

NEW YORK GIANTS 
LB Bobby Okereke (back) landed on IR, ending his season. LB Micah McFadden (neck) is out. WR Malik Nabers (toe) is questionable after limited work Friday. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) had limited action Friday but will play. 

NEW YORK JETS 
WR Davante Adams (hip) and CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring) are both questionable. They were limited Friday. QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) practiced all week and will play.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 
TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is on IR and out until at least Week 18. QB Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) also is out. LB Nakobe Dean (abdomen) is doubtful after limited work Friday. QB Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited Wednesday, but he had full practices the rest of the week and will play.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – Monday night
RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) and RB Jordan Mason (ankle) remain on IR. LT Trent Williams (ankle) joined them this week. RB Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) has had limited work Thursday and Friday. DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) has had full practices, but LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) has been idle. S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) has been a full-go thus far.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – Played Thursday
RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) went on IR with an ankle sprain.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee), TE Cade Otton (knee) and WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring, foot) are out. LB K.J Britt (ankle), WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) and S Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) are questionable despite full practices Friday. S Mike Edwards (illness) practiced Thursday and Friday, and he’s good to go.

TENNESSEE TITANS
LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring) went on IR to end his season. PK Nick Folk (abdomen) is out. WR Tyler Boyd (foot) and RB Tony Pollard (ankle) are questionable but didn’t practice all week.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 
RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) and WR Noah Brown (kidney) are on IR. WR Dyami Brown (hamstring), OT Andrew Wylie (groin) and CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) are out. DT Jonathan Allen (pectoral) had a full practice all week but remains questionable. WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) was limited Thursday before a full practice Friday, and he’ll play.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 17

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football.

With games all week long, the slate for Week 17 is thin. This makes things a little easier in terms of combinations of usable lineups. However, it also increases the likelihood of a chopped tourney pot. When the player pool is smaller, finding the one key variant player from the masses is important. Just remember to enjoy this week since next week we will get several teams pulling their starting lineups out of a hat.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.7k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($6.8k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.7k), WR Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.6k), FLEX Tank Bigsby ($5.2k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Bucky Irving ($8.0k), RB Tank Bigsby ($6.1k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.9k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.9k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($5.4K), FLEX Aaron Jones ($7.4k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($3.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.3k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.2k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.2k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($3.7k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.5k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.6k), SUPERFLEX Jayden Daniels ($7.6k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,100
Jayden Daniels N/A $8,500
Jalen Hurts $7,500 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,900 $8,200
Sam Darnold $6,400 $7,700
Jordan Love $6,200 $7,800
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $8,000
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,500
Aaron Rodgers $5,700 $7,300
Bryce Young $5,600 $7,100
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,600
Cooper Rush $5,400 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,300 $6,900
Spencer Rattler $5,300 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,600
Michael Penix Jr. N/A $6,600
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,800
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,700
Drew Lock $4,900 $6,500
Dorian Thompson-Robinson $4,800 $6,400
Tyrod Taylor $4,700 $6,200
Tanner McKee $4,500 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,400 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Potential lingering injuries to Josh Allen (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) may shrink the playable pool even more. Fortunately, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Jordan Love are all strong plays. Bryce Young, Mason Rudolph, and Mac Jones are the cheap punt choices.

Fantasy four-pack

Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Atlanta has held Desmond Ridder and Drew Lock in check for the last two weeks. Before that, they gave up 16 passing TDs over six games against NFL-level QBs. They also have allowed the ninth-most QB-rushing yards. Daniels should have a field day here.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) Coming into this week, Carolina had allowed the most passing touchdowns this season. Mayfield has nine passing TDs over the last three weeks, and his 34 passing TDs rank third on the season. Stack him with Mike Evans and/or Jalen McMillan.

Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. GB ($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD) Over his last six games, Darnold has 16 of his 33 total TDs. Earlier this season, Darnold picked this defense apart to the tune of 275-3. Expect a similar line here.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. NYJ ($8,500 DK, $9,100 FD) Allen is dealing with hand/arm issues, but all signs point to him playing. He is coming off his second-worst game of the season, but this week he should see a return to form against a team that he already scored three times against this season. Plus, New York ranks second-worst, having allowed seven QB rushing TDs this year.

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ TB ($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) Only three teams have allowed more passing yards this season. This included allowing Young to throw for just under 300 yards back in Week 13, which was his best passing performance of the year. This also started a streak of three out of four games where Young scored a rushing TD. Meanwhile, Tampa has allowed the third-most QB rushing scores.

Mason Rudolph, Titans @ JAX ($5,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Rudolph has posted multiple TDs in four of his five full games played. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the most passing yards and the fourth-most passing TDs. Stack him with the white-hot Chig Okonkwo.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,600
Bijan Robinson N/A $8,900
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,900 $8,400
De’Von Achane $7,700 $8,200
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $8,500
James Cook $7,200 $8,800
Chuba Hubbard $7,000 $7,600
Bucky Irving $6,700 $8,000
Tony Pollard $6,400 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,300 $7,900
Aaron Jones
 $6,200 $7,400
Rico Dowdle $6,000 $7,100
Brian Robinson Jr. N/A $6,900
Jerome Ford $5,900 $6,600
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,500
Rachaad White $5,700 $6,800
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,700
Kendre Miller $5,500 $6,200
Tyjae Spears $5,400 $5,800
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,300 $6,000
Tank Bigsby $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $5,600
Tyler Allgeier N/A $5,500
Jeremy McNichols N/A $5,100
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,000
Chris Rodriguez Jr. N/A $5,000
Cam Akers $4,900 $5,200
Jamaal Williams $4,800 $5,400
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $5,100
Ty Johnson $4,700 $5,400
Ezekiel Elliott $4,600 $5,300
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,800
Isaiah Davis $4,500 $4,900
Chris Brooks $4,400 $4,900
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,300 $4,500
Devin Singletary $4,200 $5,200
Ray Davis $4,200 $5,500
Emanuel Wilson $4,100 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,100 $4,600
Jordan Mims $4,000 $4,300

Running back

Weekly strategy – We face another existential crisis involving Saquon Barkley. Will Barkley be the entire offense if Jalen Hurts (concussion) and/or Kenny Pickett (ribs) miss this game, or will they focus all their defensive efforts on him? Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor have cake matchups. One of those three must be your RB1. At RB2, I prefer to spend up for Bucky Irving or Chuba Hubbard (knee). You also can use Aaron Jones in the revenge game. Alexander Mattison, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, Jerome Ford, and Devin Singletary are potential punts or flex plays. 

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ NYG ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) I was getting super-annoyed by Anthony Richardson stealing all of Taylor’s red zone love. Well, Taylor said, “Richardson can’t steal my TDs from 65 yards out.” Meanwhile, the Giants have allowed 11 scoring plays of greater than 20 yards.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ WAS (N/A DK, $8,900 FD) Since Week 6, Robinson has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in all but one game. This included a 103-yard, two-TD game last week. Only two teams are allowing more YPC than Washington, so Robinson will eat again.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. DAL ($8,600 DK, $9,600 FD) If the Eagles don’t have to use their third-string QB, Barkley will carve up this defense. He feasted last week after Jalen Hurts was knocked out. I’d be happy with another 29-150-2 game.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ TB ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Hubbard (knee) got back on track last week against Arizona, scoring for the ninth time in 15 games this year. Tampa has been solid against the run, but they have an absurd split where they are allowing 53 more rushing yards per game at home.

Sleepers

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars vs. TEN ($5,200 DK, $6,100 FD) Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed 749 total yards and eight total TDs to the RB position. Bigsby is still splitting touches with Travis Etienne, but he has scored twice in the past three weeks, while Etienne hasn’t scored since Week 2.

Jerome Ford, Browns vs. MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) It took an injury, but Cleveland is back to using their best RB, Ford. He is averaging 9.8 YPC over the last two weeks. Early reports suggest chilly rain all game this week, so expect both teams to lean on their ground games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,300 $9,000
A.J. Brown $7,800 $8,800
Mike Evans $7,500 $8,600
Davante Adams $7,100 $8,100
Terry McLaurin N/A $7,900
Tyreek Hill $6,900 $7,400
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,800 $7,500
Malik Nabers $6,600 $7,700
Drake London N/A $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,500 $6,800
Jordan Addison $6,300 $7,000
Garrett Wilson $6,100 $6,900
Jakobi Meyers $6,000 $6,600
Jayden Reed $5,900 $6,700
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,200
Darnell Mooney N/A $6,400
Adam Thielen $5,700 $6,200
Khalil Shakir $5,600 $6,500
Calvin Ridley $5,500 $6,300
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $6,000
Chris Olave $5,200 $6,000
Ray-Ray McCloud III N/A $5,700
Romeo Doubs $5,100 $5,600
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus N/A $5,200
Dyami Brown N/A $5,100
Jamison Crowder N/A $5,000
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $4,900
Christian Watson $4,900 $6,000
Josh Downs $4,800 $6,100
Alec Pierce $4,700 $5,600
Michael Pittman Jr. $4,700 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,600 $5,800
Jalen McMillan $4,600 $5,900
Keon Coleman $4,500 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,500 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,400 $5,300
Xavier Legette $4,400 $4,900
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,400
Jalen Coker $4,300 $5,100
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,200 $5,800
Parker Washington $4,200 $5,500
David Moore $4,100 $4,900
Jalen Tolbert $4,100 $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,000 $5,000
Malik Washington $4,000 $5,100
Dontayvion Wicks $3,900 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $3,800 $5,000
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,000
Mack Hollins $3,700 $4,900
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,300
Tyler Boyd $3,500 $4,800
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $4,900
Darius Slayton $3,300 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,800
River Cracraft $3,200 $4,300
Jahan Dotson $3,100 $4,500
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,700
Michael Woods II $3,100 $4,800
Curtis Samuel $3,000 $4,800
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Jonathan Mingo $3,000 $4,500
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,800
Rakim Jarrett $3,000 $4,500
Trey Palmer $3,000 $4,700

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, and Terry McLaurin are the top three choices this week. If Philly gets Hurts back, A.J. Brown also is a viable WR1 option. At WR2, Brian Thomas Jr., Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen (hamstring) make the most sense. The depth at WR is ugly this week. Jalen McMillan, Romeo Doubs, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Michael Pittman Jr. are the best of this foul stench. You need one of them. My recommendation is to use McMillan and then choose a WR1 other than Evans.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. GB ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Over his last three home games versus the Packers, Jefferson has posted 22-412-4. He also scored against them earlier this year on the road. 

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($7,500 DK, $8,600 FD) Over the last four weeks, only five teams have given up more TDs to opposing WRs than Carolina. This stretch included an 8-118-1 game by Evans. 

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $7,900 FD) Only one WR1 failed to reach double-digit PPR points against this team this season. That was the game where Tampa started Sterling Shepard as their alpha. Since Week 12, McLaurin has led all WRs in TDs.

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) Both Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett have had success connecting with Brown. So, as long as one of those two is starting, he will be a safe floor play of 8-90-1 against a defense that has allowed the most WR receptions over the last four weeks.

Sleepers

Adam Thielen, Panthers @ TB ($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD) In his second game back from injury, Thielen posted 8-99-1 against this defense. He has become Bryce Young‘s favorite target. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday. Assuming he suits up, he makes a grand play against a fantasy-friendly defense. If you use Young, stack him with Thielen and run it back with Mike Evans, or …

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($4,600 DK, $5,900 FD) McMillan. He has scored four times in the last three weeks. Ride the fiery streak here as long as his price remains this low.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,700 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,700 $6,800
David Njoku $4,700 $6,200
T.J. Hockenson $4,500 $5,700
Dalton Kincaid $4,300 $5,800
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,300
Brenton Strange $4,000 $5,100
Tucker Kraft $3,900 $5,200
Jake Ferguson $3,700 $5,500
Chig Okonkwo $3,600 $5,400
Juwan Johnson $3,500 $5,200
Kyle Pitts N/A $5,000
Zach Ertz N/A $5,000
Tommy Tremble $3,200 $4,800
Grant Calcatera $3,100 $4,700
Dawson Knox $3,000 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,000 $5,100
Payne Durham $2,900 $4,600
Tyler Conklin $2,900 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,800
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,800 $4,600
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,900
Josh Oliver $2,600 $4,800
AJ Barner $3,100 $4,700
John Bates $3,000 $4,300
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,800
Daniel Bellinger $2,900 $4,900
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,900 $4,700
Michael Mayer $2,900 $4,600
Ben Sinnott $2,800 $4,400
Josh Oliver $2,800 $4,900
Tyler Conklin $2,800 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $2,700 $4,900

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Jonnu Smith and Chig Okonkwo are two of my favorite TE plays this week. Brock Bowers has a tough matchup, but he has been elite all season. T.J. Hockenson and Tucker Kraft are the pivot choices who should have minimal ownership. Both Cade Otton and David Njoku are dealing with knee injuries. If either plays, they can be pivots as well. Their backups: Payne Durham and Jordan Akins, respectively, will have sneaky value if the starters ahead of them are out. Otherwise, consider the two Saints TEs as punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ CLE ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Smith continues to be effective for Miami. Even in an ugly matchup last week, he finished with 6-62. Since Week 11, he is averaging just under 20 PPR points per game.

Chig Okonkwo, Titans @ JAX ($3,600 DK, $5,400 FD) Speaking of hot TEs, Okonkwo leads all TEs in targets and receptions over the last two weeks (since Mason Rudolph took over at QB). He should score this week as only three teams have given up more TE touchdowns.

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ NO ($6,700 DK, $7,600 FD) This will be a test for Bowers. New Orleans has allowed a league-low one TE score. Plus, only two of the last nine TEs to face them have reached double-digit PPR points. Bowers has three duds in his last five games, but he leads the league in every relevant TE statistical category except TDs.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. GB ($4,500 DK, $5,700 FD) Hockenson’s production has been middling since his return. That said, Green Bay has allowed the seventh-most receptions and receiving yards to the position. Josh Oliver scored in their earlier meeting, and Hock scored against them before his injury last season, so Minnesota targets its TEs against this unit.

Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers @ MIN ($3,900 DK, $5,200 FD) Kraft doesn’t have a ton of targets or receptions, but he ranks seventh in receiving yards and third in receiving TDs among TEs. Minnesota has been generous to the position recently, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most receptions over the last four weeks.

Foster Moreau, Saints vs. LV ($3,000 DK, $5,100 FD) Moreau and Juwan Johnson are the closest healthy thing that New Orleans has to a receiving threat, provided WR Chris Olave (head) doesn’t return. The twosome will split 7-70-1 against one of the worst TE defenses in football. I trust Moreau to score just slightly more than Johnson.

Saturday DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Here are my favorite lineups for this Saturday-Only Slate.

Recommended Saturday-Only DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.2k), RB Kyren Williams ($7.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.2k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.4k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.6k), WR Kendrick Bourne ($3.3k), TE Stone Smartt ($3.4k), FLEX Marvin Harrison Jr. ($5.2k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.0k), RB Kyren Williams ($8.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.3k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($9.6k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.6k) WR Ladd McConkey ($7.2k), TE Stone Smartt ($5.0k), FLEX Kendrick Bourne ($4.8k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($4.0k)

Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) carries the same injury designations he has played through most of the season. I’m less concerned about the injury than the matchup. Still, he has played at an elite level for several weeks, so he remains the top option on the board. If I pivot from him, it will probably be with Bo Nix or Justin Herbert. Kyler Murray also may be in play, but offensive line injuries in front of him are disconcerting. Fade Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye.

Injury and job split concerns surround the RB depth chart. Kyren Williams and Chase Brown are the top options on the docket, but you must get creative at WR/TE to fit both. Still, one of them must be your RB1. James Conner (knee) would be a great pivot if he’s cleared to play. His backup, Trey Benson (ankle), also is beaten up. Both are officially questionionable. He could be a decent RB2 pivot if Conner is out. Michael Carter would get the start if they were both out. He could finish as a volume RB2, but he’s a stretch play, at best.

We also don’t know how the Chargers’ backfield will shake out. J.K. Dobbins (knee) has missed several weeks and is questionable. Even if he plays, he likely will be on a snap count. Gus Edwards (ankle) coming off a big week but has been ruled out. The backfield could end up being led by Kimani Vidal. If so, he would instantly vault to the top of my RB2 rankings. But there’s so much uncertainty that both the rookie and Dobbins fall more into the flex/punt range.

Denver also features an island of misfit toys at RB. Good luck choosing which of Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams, and Audric Estime to play from week to week. Cincy’s defense sucks, so whoever leads this backfield could produce serviceable numbers, but choosing between them is fantasy Russian roulette. Finally, we have New England. The coaches have announced that Antonio Gibson may take over as the primary ball carrier from Rhamondre Stevenson. If this is true, Gibson makes an interesting case to be the RB2 on this slate. Of course, this could be coachspeak, which would destroy your chances. That said, I trust the move here.

[lawrence-related id=498154]

At WR1, you have your choice of Ja’Marr Chase or Puka Nacua. Puka’s matchup is easier, but can you really ignore the ceiling that Chase presents? If you fade Chase, please use Tee Higgins at WR2, assuming he plays through a questionable tag. The other WR2 choices are Cooper Kupp, Courtland Sutton, and Ladd McConkey. The top-WR3 choice is Marvin Harrison Jr., since his ceiling is far above any of the other No. 3 choices. Quentin Johnston, Demarcus Robinson, the Patriots trio (Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Kendrick Bourne), and Devaughn Vele are the reasonable pivots there. Michael Wilson, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Joshua Palmer, and Andrei Iosivas are dart throws, at best.

Trey McBride has a solid matchup, but he never scores. Considering the depth this week, he should be an easy fade. Mike Gesicki is my favorite pivot. Will Dissly (shoulder) may return from his two-game absence. It may be too late for him, though, as Stone Smartt may have wrestled the top spot from him. If Dissly is out, Smartt is a lineup lock. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are both seeing consistent targets for New England. I prefer Henry, but both are playable and either could be your flex. Tyler Higbee returned from a nearly year-long injury absence and immediately scored a TD. He should see a higher snap share this week, making him a low-ceiling pivot. Much like their RBs, the Denver TE room is a hall of horrors. In a favorable matchup, Adam Trautman is the one I would choose. Thankfully, I don’t have to.

Christmas Day inactives, injuries and weather: NFL Week 17

Week 17 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Christmas slate.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 17 Christmas Day inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games:
Afternoon games: WR Zay Flowers (active)

Early game

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 41°F, cloudy, calm

Chiefs

Inactives: OT D.J. Humphries, DL Malik Herring, OT Ethan Driskell, OG C.J. Hanson, LB Josh Uche, CB Chamarri Conner and DL Chris Jones

Lineup notes: LT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) is out. RT Jawaan Taylor (knee) will play through a questionable tag, but DT Chris Jones (calf) is indeed inactive. QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) and WR Xavier Worthy (ankle) both avoided injury designations.

Steelers

Inactives: WR Ben Skowronek, DE Dean Lowry, CB Joey Porter Jr., QB Justin Fields and LB Preston Smith

Lineup notes: CB Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are out, but the Steelers have WR George Pickens (hamstring), CB Donte Jackson (back), and SS DeShon Elliott (hamstring) returning from absences.

Late-afternoon window

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans (4:30 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 70°F, 24% chance of rain (retractable-roof dome)

Ravens

Inactives: DE Adisa Isaac, RB Justice Hill, WR Nelson Agholor, C Nick Samac, CB Jalyn Armour-Davis and S Marcus Williams

Lineup notes: WR Nelson Agholor (concussion) and RB Justice Hill (concussion) won’t be available. WR Zay Flowers (shoulder) will play after being deemed questionable. WR Anthony Miller was elevated from the practice squad.

Texans

Inactives: OG Shaq Mason, DL Jerry Hughes, LB Devin White, WR Diontae Johnson, DT Folorunso Fatukasi and OG Juice Scruggs

Lineup notes: WR Tank Dell (knee) was placed on IR after a devastating injury suffered in Week 16. OG Shaq Mason (knee) and C Juice Scruggs (foot) won’t play. WR John Metchie III (shoulder) fully practiced and will play.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 17

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 17 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Lamar Jackson @HOU Justin Jefferson GB
Josh Allen NYJ Mike Evans CAR
GREAT STARTS Opp Terry McLaurin ATL
Jordan Love @MIN GREAT STARTS Opp
Jayden Daniels ATL Ja’Marr Chase DEN
SOLID STARTERS Opp Nico Collins BAL
Tua Tagovailoa @CLE Adam Thielen @TB
Jared Goff @SF Davante Adams @BUF
Patrick Mahomes @PIT Amon-Ra St. Brown @SF
Baker Mayfield CAR SOLID STARTERS Opp
Caleb Williams SEA DeVonta Smith DAL
Brock Purdy DET Zay Flowers @HOU
Bo Nix @CIN Darnell Mooney @WAS
Sam Darnold GB CeeDee Lamb @PHI
Joe Burrow DEN Jordan Addison GB
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Malik Nabers IND
Matthew Stafford ARI Garrett Wilson @BUF
Aaron Rodgers @BUF Deebo Samuel DET
Geno Smith @CHI Ladd McConkey @NE
C.J. Stroud BAL A.J. Brown DAL
Justin Herbert @NE J. Smith-Njigba @CHI
Bryce Young @TB Jayden Reed @MIN
Anthony Richardson @NYG Brian Thomas Jr. TEN
Kyler Murray @LAR Tyreek Hill @CLE
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Jakobi Meyers @NO
Mason Rudolph @JAC Keenan Allen SEA
Drake Maye LAC Courtland Sutton @CIN
Russell Wilson KC Tee Higgins DEN
Cooper Rush @PHI Puka Nacua ARI
D. Thompson-Robinson MIA DJ Moore SEA
Aidan O’Connell @NO Calvin Ridley @JAC
M. Penix Jr. @WAS FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Jalen Hurts DAL George Pickens KC
Mac Jones TEN N. Westbrook-Ikhine @JAC
Kenny Pickett DAL Jalen Tolbert @PHI
Spencer Rattler LVR Xavier Worthy @PIT
Drew Lock IND Romeo Doubs @MIN
RUNNING BACKS Jalen McMillan CAR
BEST BETS Opp Drake London @WAS
Kyren Williams ARI Jameson Williams @SF
Bucky Irving CAR Marquise Brown @PIT
Jonathan Taylor @NYG DK Metcalf @CHI
GREAT STARTS Opp Jerry Jeudy MIA
James Cook NYJ Michael Pittman Jr. @NYG
Jahmyr Gibbs @SF Josh Downs @NYG
Chase Brown DEN Calvin Austin KC
SOLID STARTERS Opp Amari Cooper NYJ
Tyrone Tracy Jr. IND DeMario Douglas LAC
Tony Pollard @JAC Jauan Jennings DET
Zach Charbonnet @CHI Khalil Shakir NYJ
Derrick Henry @HOU Marvin Harrison Jr. @LAR
Aaron Jones GB Cooper Kupp ARI
Bijan Robinson @WAS DeAndre Hopkins @PIT
Breece Hall @BUF Rashod Bateman @HOU
Saquon Barkley DAL Quentin Johnston @NE
Josh Jacobs @MIN SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
De’Von Achane @CLE Alec Pierce @NYG
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Cedric Tillman MIA
Tyjae Spears @JAC Xavier Legette @TB
Kendre Miller LVR John Metchie BAL
Alexander Mattison @NO M. Valdes-Scantling LVR
Chuba Hubbard @TB Jaylen Waddle @CLE
Rachaad White CAR P. Washington TEN
Kareem Hunt @PIT Keon Coleman NYJ
Javonte Williams @CIN Jalen Coker @TB
Travis Etienne TEN Dyami Brown ATL
Jerome Ford MIA Andrei Iosivas DEN
Gus Edwards @NE Rome Odunze SEA
Ameer Abdullah @NO Michael Wilson @LAR
D’Andre Swift SEA C. Watson @MIN
Brian Robinson Jr. ATL S. Shepard CAR
Tank Bigsby TEN Marvin Mims @CIN
Joe Mixon BAL Devaughn Vele @CIN
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp D. Wicks @MIN
Devin Singletary IND DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Isiah Pacheco @PIT GREAT STARTS Opp
Patrick Taylor DET Dolphins @CLE
Tyler Allgeier @WAS Colts @NYG
Audric Estime @CIN Bills NYJ
Kimani Vidal @NE SOLID STARTERS Opp
Alvin Kamara LVR Chiefs @PIT
James Conner @LAR Eagles DAL
Kenneth Walker III @CHI Saints LVR
Jaleel McLaughlin @CIN Raiders @NO
Trey Benson @LAR Commanders ATL
Isaac Guerendo DET Buccaneers CAR
R. Stevenson LAC Chargers @NE
Jaylen Warren KC FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Rico Dowdle @PHI Bengals DEN
Najee Harris KC Browns MIA
TIGHT ENDS Packers @MIN
BEST BETS Opp Ravens @HOU
Trey McBride @LAR Titans @JAC
GREAT STARTS Opp Seahawks @CHI
Mark Andrews @HOU Cowboys @PHI
Travis Kelce @PIT Vikings GB
SOLID STARTERS Opp Steelers KC
David Njoku MIA Bears SEA
Sam LaPorta @SF Jaguars TEN
Jake Ferguson @PHI SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Zach Ertz ATL Falcons @WAS
Brock Bowers @NO Cardinals @LAR
C. Okonkwo @JAC Giants IND
George Kittle DET Jets @BUF
Jonnu Smith @CLE Patriots LAC
Pat Freiermuth KC 49ers DET
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Rams ARI
T.J. Hockenson GB Lions @SF
Tommy Tremble @TB Broncos @CIN
Isaiah Likely @HOU Panthers @TB
Tyler Higbee ARI Texans BAL
Hunter Henry LAC
Dalton Kincaid NYJ
Brenton Strange TEN
Mike Gesicki DEN
Noah Gray @PIT
Dalton Schultz BAL
Foster Moreau LVR
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Noah Fant @CHI
Juwan Johnson LVR
Kyle Pitts @WAS
Will Dissly @NE
Cade Otton CAR
Cole Kmet SEA
Austin Hooper LAC
Stone Smartt @NE
Nate Adkins @CIN

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 17

Fantasy’s top hot starts and cold sits for NFL Week 17.

We’re heading into Week 17 in the National Football League, and it’s a holiday week. We get the rare Wednesday games due to the Christmas holiday, so we’re getting this content out there earlier than usual.

If you’re still trying alive in your fantasy playoffs, good luck this weekend. We hope you’re able to raise the fantasy trophy and talk that smack to your buddies, co-workers, family, etc. It’s always nice to see the hard work from a season-long league pay off.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 17:

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 17

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 17 pickups.

We march into Week 17. If you’re in the fantasy football championship round, best of luck, and bring that trophy home. If you’re in a roto or season-long league, we have two weeks left to make our mark.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

EDGE Nolan Smith Jr., Philadelphia Eagles

The 2023 first-round pick has experienced some growing pains, but he’s in probably his best window of his short career. He has sacks in four of the last six games. Smith managed three tackles and two fumble recoveries in Week 16. He’ll face the hapless Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 in what will be a great matchup.

DT Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans

Defensive tackles are risky in fantasy, but we have seen a modest uprise in interior linemen in fantasy this season. Simmons picked up his fifth sack of the season last week, and he is amassing tackle numbers. He has nine, five, seven, and eight tackles over the last four games.

Linebackers

LB Darius Muasau, New York Giants

The 2024 sixth-round pick started in place of Bobby Okereke in Week 16, and he delivered 11 tackles. He had six tackles and eight tackles over the last two weeks. Muasau’s status may be hinged to Okereke’s availability, but this team is gunning for the top pick and should want to get a look at Muasau.

LB Jacoby Windmon, Carolina Panthers

Windmon played in 76% of the defensive snaps in Week 16 and picked up eight tackles, a sack, and a PD. That’s a good baseline as he enters a solid matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17.

[lawrence-related id=498204]

LB Mohamoud Diabate, Cleveland Browns

The 23-year-old Diabate was worthy of picking up from Week 6-12, and he just kind of fell off. He’s worthy of another look after six tackles in Week 16 because he has a phenomenal matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. They allow a ton of points to LBs because of their dual-headed running back situation.

Defensive backs

SS Isaiah Pola-Mao, Las Vegas Raiders

The 25-year-old USC product had nine tackles in Week 15 and had an even bigger Week 16. He had 11 tackles and forced two fumbles. He’ll have a solid matchup against the New Orleans Saints this week to build on it.

S Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals

Thompson was possibly rostered earlier in the year, but he went into an ice box from Weeks 9-14. He’s started to ramp it back up with six tackles in Week 15 and 10 tackles in Week 16. The Los Angeles Rams aren’t a great matchup, but they still like to throw the ball enough to allow for potential tackles.

S Damontae Kazee, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kazee has been in for SS DeShon Elliott, and he has been good. He had eight tackles two weeks ago and seven last week. If Elliott is out again, Kazee has a strong matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Christmas DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for the Week 17 DFS fantasy football Christmas Day slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Today, I offer you a holiday present as a bonus money-making opportunity for the Christmas Day slate. So, let’s ho, ho, go, and unwrap all the loot under the tree.

Recommended Christmas Day DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.0k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.2k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.2k), WR Nico Collins ($8.3k), WR Rashod Bateman ($4.8k), WR Marquise Brown ($4.5k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.3k), FLEX Pat Freiermuth ($3.9k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.2k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($5.9k), WR Nico Collins ($9.1k), WR Rashod Bateman ($6.2k) WR DeAndre Hopkins ($6.1k), TE Pat Freiermuth ($5.3k), FLEX Dalton Schultz ($5.5k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($7.8k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.7k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.3k), WR Nico Collins ($7.3k), WR Zay Flowers ($6.2k), WR/TE Marquise Brown ($4.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.4k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($5.4k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($6.6k)

Lamar Jackson is expensive, but deservingly so. He is the safest play on the slate. C.J. Stroud has arguably the best matchup, but he also will be without two of his three starting WRs from earlier this season. Stroud and Patrick Mahomes will be the pivot options. We can ignore Russell Wilson, the cheapest QB on the slate, unless George Pickens (hamstring) returns.

Choosing not to play Derrick Henry is certainly a decision. On a weak RB board, it’s a decision that was probably influenced by drinking some expired egg nog. If you fade Henry, Joe Mixon would be the pivot. Financially, rostering both of them is next to impossible, unless you get gross at WR. RB2 should be one of the Kansas City Chiefs. After last week, Kareem Hunt seems the safer option, but Isiah Pacheco is a fine choice as well. Their prices are virtually interchangeable. Jaylen Warren outproduced Najee Harris last week. That performance came against a stout run defense, which led to featuring Warren more in the passing game. KC also is tough against the run, suggesting Warren may outproduce Harris once again if you choose to use one of them at flex or RB2. A concussion knocked Justice Hill (concussion) out of last week’s game. Clearing the protocol in a short week seems impossible. This suggests that Rasheen Ali and Keaton Mitchell may see some play. Mitchell has been a healthy scratch the last three weeks, but he looked electric when presented with an opportunity last season. Either of them, Samaje Perine, or Cordarrelle Patterson could be punt options.

Saint Nico Collins should bring the presents as your WR1. There isn’t a pivot. He should have 100% ownership. WR2 will be a choice between Zay Flowers (shoulder), George Pickens (hamstring), and the three Chiefs (Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and DeAndre Hopkins). If Flowers is a no-go, Rashod Bateman also can be a consideration. At WR3, I’m going to play one of the remaining Chiefs, Calvin Austin, or Robert Woods. The punt options include: Nelson Agholor (concussion), Tylan Wallace, Van Jefferson, John Metchie (shoulder), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ben Skowronek (hip), Mike Williams, and Xavier Hutchinson. None of them are very appealing.

We have two stud TEs, Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. We also have two solid TEs facing crappy TE defenses: Pat Freiermuth and Dalton Schultz. With the shortage of depth talent to choose from on this slate, I will probably choose one of these four as my flex. Noah Gray and Isaiah Likely should see enough volume to consider as punt plays.