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Should I start Austin Ekeler, Puka Nacua, or Ty Chandler for Week 17? Fantasy football start em, sit em picks and recommendations for the 2023 NFL season.
With Week 17 underway, it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Austin Ekeler, Puka Nacua, and Ty Chandler are all hot names ahead of this weekend's games.
All three players are coming off strong showings in Week 16. Can they keep the momentum going this week?
Should you start Ekeler, Nacua, or Chandler in Week 17? Let's dive in.
Should I Start Austin Ekeler for Fantasy Football?
Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler has been in a real funk since the team lost starting quarterback Justin Herbert to a season-ending injury. Ekeler has seen just one touchdown and has rushed for over 60 yards just once since Week 11.
Fantasy managers have gotten concerned with the running back as it is clear his usage isn't what it used to be in past seasons. Ekeler is still being used in the passing game, which still provides him with value in PPR formatted leagues, but his rushing ability has gotten weaker and he has become more of a touchdown-dependent back. Ekeler does draw a favorable matchup against the Broncos, which gives him RB2 value in Week 17.
He is the RB22 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start Puka Nacua for Fantasy Football?
The rookie wideout continues to be a star in the making, setting another season-high in the Week 16 win over the Saints. Nacua caught nine of his 11 targets for 164 yards and one touchdown, which led the charge for all Rams wide receivers.
Fantasy managers should feel very comfortable starting Nacua for the remainder of the season because not only is veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford finding his own rhythm, the Rams' offense as a whole has looked great and looking forward to grabbing a playoff spot. Nacua should be viewed as a WR1 option in Week 17 against the New York Giants.
He is the WR9 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start Ty Chandler for Fantasy Football?
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler has seen more usage as the year has gone on, but fantasy managers are curious if he is suitable to be in lineups. Chandler saw eight carries for 17 yards and one touchdown in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions, which marks his second straight touchdown in two weeks.
In Week 17, the Vikings will face off against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers currently rank third in the NFL in most rushing yards given up this season, which benefits Chandler in the ground game. However, his value will be boosted if starting running back Alexander Mattison is out or not as he is dealing with an ankle injury. If Mattison is unable to play, Chandler could be considered a RB2, but shouldn't be played if Mattison gets the green light.
He is the RB27 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
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