Philadelphia's Fantasy Football Problem: What Happens in Week 17 if Eagles Clinch?

December 21, 2022

How does Gardner Minshew impact the fantasy football value in the Eagles' offense? Who can you replace Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert with in Week 17?

Plenty is at stake for the Philadelphia Eagles when they go to battle against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday afternoon. With a win, the Eagles can clinch their third NFC East divisional title in the last six years. More significantly, a victory this weekend would clinch the top seed in the NFC playoffs and give Philadelphia home-field advantage.

In Week 6, the Eagles intercepted Cooper Rush three times and beat the Cowboys 26-17. Philadelphia will have to travel to a Dak-led Dallas squad to complete the season sweep. If the Eagles win in Week 16, it could cascade nightmare scenarios for Philadelphia fantasy owners competing for their league's title or bronze medal in Week 17. There would be no incentive for the Eagles to play their stars in the last two weeks of the regular season with the No. 1 seed locked up.

To make the situation more complicated, Jalen Hurts suffered a sprained shoulder this past Sunday against the Chicago Bears. There is a chance that Hurts plays through the pain this week against Dallas, but if he is unable to go, Gardner Minshew will step in under center.

How Does Gardner Minshew Impact Philadelphia's Offense?

First, let's break down the impact that Minshew would have on the fantasy value of Philadelphia's offense. Then, if you're an owner of Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, or Dallas Goedert, below are some contingency plans we can put in place so their (potential) Week 17 absence hurts a little less.

In the absence of Jalen Hurts last year, Minshew started two games for Philadelphia and was relatively effective while under center. The former Jacksonville Jaguar completed 67.2% of his passes for 428 yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception between his pair of starts as an Eagle.

Head coach Nick Sirianni has given his vote of confidence in Minshew to the media this week, stating that he could be the starting quarterback for a handful of teams in the league. Unlike MVP candidate Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew doesn't possess any rushing ability. The Eagles lean into their RPO schemes early and often, but that's due to change if Minshew is under center.

With Philadelphia phasing out RPOs, Miles Sanders will see an uptick in usage on the ground. Minshew is a pocket passing specialist and shouldn't significantly impact the production of Philadelphia's pass catchers. I'm not discounting Philadelphia's fleet of fantasy stars with the former Washington State Cougar leading the offense.

Who Can I Replace Jalen Hurts with in Week 17?

Jared Goff, 50% available

The difference between Goff at home and on the road is day and night. In eight games at Ford Field this year, Jared Goff has tossed for 2,217 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. Goff is averaging 21.3 PPG at home this year.

In Week 17, the Lions play their home-field finale against the Chicago Bears. Quarterbacks are averaging 18.4 PPG against the Bears this year, the ninth-best in the league. Give the former Los Angeles Ram the chance in Week 17, he's one of the premier streamers.

Brock Purdy, 73% available

Mr. Irrelevant has shown comfort and poise in San Francisco's offense since taking over the starting job three weeks ago. Purdy is averaging 17.5 PPG and has posted a 6-1 TD-INT ratio.

The 49ers square off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. Vegas has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year and has intercepted just four passes all year long. Start the rookie in an important game for NFC playoff standings.

Who Can I Replace Miles Sanders with in Week 17?

Tyler Allgeier, 63% available

The rookie from BYU ran for a career-high 139 yards and a touchdown off 17 carries in Week 15. Caleb Huntley was just placed on the IR and Cordarrelle Patterson has been much less effective as a runner since returning from an injury earlier this year.

Allgeier gets a great matchup in Week 17, going up against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have allowed 17 rushing touchdowns this year, the fifth most in the league. While Desmond Ridder is under center, Tyler Allgeier is a safe bet to see plenty of volume to warrant fantasy relevance.

Zack Moss, 74% available

With Jonathan Taylor's season coming to an end due to an ankle injury, newly-acquired Zack Moss is the next man up for Indianapolis. The third-year back from Utah carried the ball 24 times in Week 15.

It's rare to find a running back on the waivers that can match Moss's high usage. Although he wasn't efficient, mustering a mere 81 yards against Minnesota, he can be very fantasy relevant in Week 17. The New York Giants have allowed the third-most rushing yards this year.

Who Can I Replace A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith With in Week 17?

Donovan Peoples-Jones, 49% available

DPJ has quietly produced a quality fantasy season in his third year as a Cleveland Brown. Peoples-Jones has produced double-digit outings ten times this year, including in eight of his last nine games.

The former Michigan Wolverine is averaging 56 receiving yards per game and has consistently been Amari Cooper's complementary receiver this year. If you need a plug-in, Donovan Peoples-Jones is one of the best receivers to put in a good effort for you in the championship.

Jahan Dotson, 72% available

The rookie from Penn State has pieced together a great highlight reel in year one. Dotson has found the end zone six times with just 41 targets thrown his way this year.

In his last two games, Jahan Dotson is averaging 18.5 PPG and has amassed nine catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns. The electric playmaker has a higher ceiling than nearly all receivers on the waiver wire, making him a risky, yet necessary addition to your lineup come crunch time.

Who Can I Replace Dallas Goedert with in Week 17?

Tyler Conklin, 62% available

Conklin has hit double digits in fantasy just four times this year and is a risky stream. The former Minnesota Viking has seen 17 targets thrown his way over the past three weeks.

In Week 17, the Jets take on the Seattle Seahawks, who have allowed six tight ends to top 50 yards. Tight ends have scored eight touchdowns, and the second-most fantasy points against Seattle this year, making Tyler Conklin a logical fill-in for Week 17.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, 84% available

Okonkwo has established himself as one of Tennesee's top receiving options heading into playoffs. With 21 targets over the last four weeks, the rookie from Maryland has superseded Austin Hooper as the Titans' go-to tight end.

Okonkwo is averaging over 13 PPG over the last three weeks and has quietly been one of the best fantasy tight ends as of late. Although the Dallas Cowboys provide a difficult matchup in Week 17, ride the rookie's hot hand.

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