Fantasy football Week 17: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 16’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 16 RECAP

Chargers 34, Broncos 27: Gus Edwards had his best game of the season against the Broncos last Thursday, gaining 68 yards on 14 carries and scoring twice. Edwards now has four touchdowns in the last five games without J.K. Dobbins in the lineup.

Chiefs 27, Texans 19: Marquise Brown had five receptions on eight targets for 45 yards in his Kansas City debut after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury. There’s flex appeal with upside despite a matchup against the Steelers if you’re an underdog this week.

Ravens 34, Steelers 17: Derrick Henry finished with 162 yards on 24 carries, his 17th career game with at least 150 rushing yards — seventh-most in NFL history. Henry also now has 1,636 rushing yards this season, the fourth time he has surpassed 1,500 rushing yards in his illustrious career — tied for second-most in NFL history.

Falcons 34, Giants 7: Drew Lock has thrown four interceptions and taken 11 sacks in three starts this season, and the G-Men’s other options (Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle) at quarterback are worse.

Lions 34, Bears 17: Jameson Williams caught five of seven targets for a career high in receiving yards (143) at Chicago. Williams is averaging an NFL-best 8.9 yards after the catch this season, and needs 110 yards in the final two games to reach 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

Bengals 24, Browns 6: Nick Chubb broke his foot in the third quarter of Cleveland’s 21-7 loss to the Chiefs. Jerome Ford finished with 104 total yards on nine touches and scored the Brown’s only touchdown of the day. He followed that up with 131 total yards on 16 touches (five receptions) and another TD at Cincinnati on Sunday. Plus, D’Onta Foreman was a non-factor with only two carries for one yard, including a goal-line fumble.

Colts 38, Titans 30: Jonathan Taylor exploded for 218 yards on 29 carries and three TDs at home against Tennessee. Indianapolis’ 335 rushing yards broke the franchise record of 299, set in 1985.

Rams 19, Jets 9: Davante Adams is the overall WR1 in standard formats (WR2 in PPR) since Week 13, with 30 receptions (48 targets) for 441 yards and five TDs in the last four games. Adams only needs 72 yards for his fifth straight 1,000-yard season (sixth in his career).

Commanders 36, Eagles 33: Jayden Daniels became the third QB to have at least five TD passes and 75 rushing yards in a single game in NFL history.

Panthers 36, Cardinals 30 (OT): Bryce Young has looked much better recently, completing 60.5% of his passes for 866 yards with five TD passes and three interceptions for a passer rating of 82.5 in the last four games, but the leap forward has been with his ability to make plays with his legs. Young also has 126 yards on 18 carries and three TDs since Week 13.

Vikings 27, Seahawks 24: Sam Darnold’s breakthrough season continues with another 246 yards and three TD passes with no interceptions at Seattle. Darnold has now completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,776 yards, 32 TD passes and 11 interceptions for a passer rating of 105.4 and is the overall QB8 through 16 weeks.

Bills 24, Patriots 21: James Cook has run for at least 100 yards in two straight games, becoming the first Buffalo player since Josh Allen in 2018 to do so, and the first Bills running back since LeSean McCoy in 2016.

Raiders 19, Jaguars 14: Brian Thomas Jr. had nine receptions for 132 yards and a TD at Las Vegas. It was Thomas’ seventh game with at least 60 receiving yards and a TD. Only Hall of Famer Randy Moss has done it more times (eight) as a rookie in the Super Bowl era.

Dolphins 29, 49ers 17: De’Von Achane finished with 190 total yards and a TD in a must-win game for Miami. Achane is the first player since Christian McCaffrey in Week 17 of 2022 to have at least 120 rushing yards and 70 receiving yards in the same game.

Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24: Jalen McMillan is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since Week 14 with 14 receptions (20 targets) for 191 yards and four TDs in the last three games.

Packers 34, Saints 0: Green Bay’s defense produced the first shutout in the NFL since the Buccaneers blanked the Panthers 9-0 in Week 18 of the 2023 season.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 17:

KANSAS CITY AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), George Pickens (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 9. Xavier Worthy (KC) maintains flex appeal with at least five receptions or a TD in five of the last six games. The Chiefs D/ST deserve streaming consideration, forcing nine turnovers, producing 13 sacks and only allowing 15 points per game since Week 13. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Isiah Pacheco (KC) is the overall RB42 in standard formats (RB45 in PPR) since returning in Week 13, and is averaging 3.7 yards per carry in the last four games. Kareem Hunt (KC) is the overall RB39 in standard formats (RB38 in PPR) since Pacheco returned. Noah Gray (KC) is TD-dependent with only three receptions in the last two games. I’m fading Najee Harris (PIT) and Jaylen Warren (PIT) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Russell Wilson (PIT) is the overall QB15 since becoming the Steelers starter.

Sleeper(s): Marquise Brown (KC) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. Calvin Austin (PIT) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with at least 65 receiving yards or a TD in four of the last five games.

BALTIMORE AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Nico Collins (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU).

Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). C.J. Stroud (HOU) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Dalton Schultz (HOU) is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) since Week 13 with 12 receptions (19 targets) for 119 yards and two TDs in the last three games.

Who to sit: Isaiah Likely (BAL) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in four of the last six games. I’m fading the Texans D/ST against Jackson.

Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR39 in PPR) through 16 weeks.

SEATTLE AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), D.K. Metcalf (SEA), D.J. Moore (CHI).

Who to start: Kenneth Walker (SEA) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). The Seahawks D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Keenan Allen (CHI) is the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 12. Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed at least 285 passing yards or multiple TD passes in six of the last seven games. The Bears D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tyler Lockett (SEA) hasn’t had more than three targets in a game since Week 9. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Noah Fant (SEA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in nine of 12 games this season. D’Andre Swift (CHI) is the overall RB32 in standard formats (RB30 in PPR) since Week 12. Rome Odunze (CHI) remains TD-dependent with fewer than 45 receiving yards in 11 of 15 games this season. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of the last nine games.

Sleeper: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has RB2/flex upside if Walker is limited or out against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs.

L.A. CHARGERS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Ladd McConkey (LAC), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).

Who to start: Justin Herbert (LAC) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB9 since Week 8. Quentin Johnston (LAC) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 9 with a TD in five of the last eight games. The Chargers D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Will Dissly (LAC) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (shoulder). Drake Maye (NE) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 14 TD passes in the last seven games.

Who to sit: Gus Edwards (LAC) remains TD-dependent with fewer than 40 rushing yards in five of the last six games. Kimani Vidal (LAC) has yet to see more than eight touches in a game. Joshua Palmer (LAC) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of the last nine games. Stone Smartt (LAC) is TD-dependent with eight receptions (nine targets) for 87 yards in two starts without Dissly. DeMario Douglas (NE) only has value in deeper PPR formats. Antonio Gibson (NE) has double-digit touches once since Week 7. Kayshon Boutte (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 of 13 games this season.

Sleeper: Hunter Henry (NE) deserves streaming consideration against his old team with at least eight targets in four of the last five games.

DENVER AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB8 since Week 5 and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Broncos D/ST on the road against Burrow. Javonte Williams (DEN) is the overall RB40 in standard formats (RB33 in PPR) since Week 8. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) remains TD-dependent with fewer than 10 touches in eight of the last 10 games. Audric Estime (DEN) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one games this season. Devaughn Vele (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in the last three games. Mike Gesicki (CIN) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games.

Sleeper: Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) has flex appeal in deeper leagues as the overall WR33 in standard formats (WR42 in PPR) since Week 11.

ARIZONA AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Kyren Williams (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR).

Who to start: James Conner (ARI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee), but there’s risk he doesn’t carry a full workload with the Cardinals eliminated from playoff contention. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 18 TDs to wide receivers in 15 games. Matthew Stafford (LAR) has completed 71.2% of his passes for 1,135 yards with eight TD passes and two interceptions in his last four home games.

Who to sit: Michael Wilson (ARI) remains TD-dependent with exactly two receptions in four of the last five games. I’m fading the Cardinals D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Trey Benson (ARI) only has RB2/flex upside if Conner is out.

Sleeper: The Rams D/ST is the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7.

N.Y. JETS AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB9 since Week 13. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR27 in PPR) through 16 weeks. Ray Davis (BUF) maintains flex appeal in deeper leagues as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB33 in PPR) through 16 weeks.

Who to sit: Braelon Allen (NYJ) has only had double-digit touches twice since Week 4. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 15 receptions in the last six games. I’m fading the Jets D/ST on the road against Allen. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Amari Cooper (BUF) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Keon Coleman (BUF) has exactly one reception and two targets in each of his last three games.

Sleeper: The Bills D/ST has had ups and downs, but they’re still the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy this season.

LAS VEGAS AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 8. Alexander Mattison (LV) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Raiders D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. It’s hard to bench Alvin Kamara (NO) if he’s active (groin), especially against the Raiders, but there’s risk he won’t carry a full workload even if he goes. The Saints D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tre Tucker (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last four games. Kendre Miller (NO) remains TD-dependent despite a positive matchup. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of the last 10 games.

Sleeper: Ameer Abdullah (LV) is the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since Week 11.

INDIANAPOLIS AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Anthony Richardson (IND) is averaging the eighth-highest fantasy points per game (20.1) at quarterback since he reclaimed the starting gig in Indianapolis. Josh Downs (IND) is the overall WR25 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 4. Alec Pierce (IND) has flex appeal if he’s active (concussion) against a defense that struggles significantly to cover the deep ball. Tyrone Tracy (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (ankle) as the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB16 in PPR) since Week 5. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal with at least nine targets in three straight games.

Who to sit: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) is the overall WR76 in standard formats (WR69 in PPR) since Week 7. Adonai Mitchell (IND) only has flex appeal if Pierce remains out. Devin Singletary (NYG) remains TD-dependent unless Tracy is out.

Sleeper(s): The Colts D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Daniel Bellinger (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed at least 64 yards or a TD to tight ends in 11 of the last 13 games.

DALLAS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: Jalen Hurts (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion). DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) since Week 6. The Eagles D/ST forced five turnovers and only allowed six points to the Cowboys in Week 10.

Who to sit: I’m fading Rico Dowdle (DAL) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 8. Brandin Cooks (DAL) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Cooper Rush (DAL) completed 13 of 23 passes for a measly 45 yards and no TDs against the Eagles in Week 10. Grant Calcaterra (PHI) remains TD-dependent with only four targets in the last three games.

Sleeper: The Cowboys D/ST are the highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 12.

CAROLINA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Baker Mayfield (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Bucky Irving (TB), Rachaad White (TB).

Who to start: Adam Thielen (CAR) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) since Week 13. Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (knee) against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jalen McMillan (TB) has at least four receptions, 57 yards and a TD in three straight games.

Who to sit: It doesn’t sound like Xavier Legette (CAR) will be active (hip) this week. Jalen Coker (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his last seven games.

Sleeper: Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

TENNESSEE AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC).

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB19 across most fantasy formats through 16 weeks. Calvin Ridley (TEN) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) since Week 8. Tyjae Spears (TEN) has at least 66 total yards and two TDs in two straight games and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Mason Rudolph (TEN) has thrown multiple TD passes in three straight games and faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Travis Etienne (JAC) and Tank Bigsby (JAC) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs.

Who to sit: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 of the last 11 games. Brenton Strange (JAC) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper(s): Chig Okonkwo (TEN) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 12 with 24 receptions (32 targets) for 245 yards and a TD in the last five games. The Jaguars D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

MIAMI AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jonnu Smith (MIA).

Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (knee). Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is the overall QB6 since Week 11. David Njoku (CLE) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Jerome Ford (CLE) has at least 104 total yards and a TD in two straight games.

Who to sit: Raheem Mostert (MIA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading Jerry Jeudy (CLE) and Elijah Moore (CLE) with Dorian Thompson-Robinson (CLE) under center. Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after missing the last four games.

Sleeper: The Dolphins D/ST face a defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

GREEN BAY AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Jordan Addison (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN).

Who to start: Jayden Reed (GB) and Romeo Doubs (GB) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jordan Love (GB) passed for 389 yards and four TDs against the Vikings in Week 4. Both the Packers D/ST and Vikings D/ST are viable despite the shootout potential. Tucker Kraft (GB) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 12. Sam Darnold (MIN) is the overall QB6 since Week 7.

Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (knee). T.J. Hockenson (MIN) is the overall TE17 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) since he returned from injury in Week 9.

Sleeper: Dontayvion Wicks (GB) had five receptions for 78 yards and two TDs against the Vikings in Week 4 and would have flex appeal if Watson is out.

ATLANTA AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains flex appeal with at least 82 receiving yards or a TD in five of the last eight games.

Who to sit: Kyle Pitts (ATL) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions in the last five games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is the overall RB44 in standard formats (RB49 in PPR) since Week 7. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) only has value in superflex formats this week. I’m fading Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Zach Ertz (WAS) is TD-dependent with only four targets in the last two games.

Sleeper: Olamide Zaccheaus (WAS) had five receptions for 70 yards and two TDs on eight targets against the Eagles last week and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

DETROIT AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB2 since Week 13, completing 68.7% of his passes for 1,334 yards, 13 TDs and one interception with a passer rating of 116.4 in the last four games. Jauan Jennings (SF) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) since Week 10. Deebo Samuel (SF) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jameson Williams (DET) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Isaac Guerendo (SF) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. The 49ers D/ST face an offense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) is the overall QB12 through 16 weeks.