RADIO
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and lineup advice for all Week 17 matchups in 2025. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 17 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 17 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. We will offer an in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
This is the moment we have all been waiting for all season. Only one person is standing in the way of you becoming a fantasy football champion this year. That means each start/sit decision this week might cause you some extra success. RotoBaller, though, has you covered for the fantasy football championship.
Let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of Week 17. Good luck with your fantasy teams in the championship!
Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Matchups We Love:
Steelers RBs
Both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell went off in Week 16. Warren finished with a season-high 29.1 PPR fantasy points, while Gainwell had a 23.8 PPR fantasy point performance. With both RBs being so involved in Pittsburgh's game plan, both Warren and Gainwell will be strong starts in a favorable matchup against the Browns.
JAYLEN WARREN'S SECOND 45-YARD TD OF THE GAME
PITvsDET on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/JlTKtUiyBw
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025
Cleveland has allowed an RB to score above 17 PPR fantasy points in six straight games, which included a 117-yard, two-touchdown game from James Cook last week. Therefore, Warren and Gainwell will both be solid RB2 plays this week. Warren has finished as a top-24 RB in four of the past five contests, and Gainwell has caught at least five passes in four of his past five games.
Injury Update: Fannin is officially active, dealing with a groin injury.
Harold Fannin Jr. has been a strong TE1 option with Shedeur Sanders under center. Fannin has finished as a top-2 fantasy TE in two of the past three weeks and has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in four consecutive games. Now, he gets a matchup against a Steelers defense that ranks bottom-5 in fantasy points allowed, receptions allowed, and receiving yards allowed to TEs. So, he's a must-start in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Aaron Rodgers should be avoided in most Superflex formats this week. He has scored under 18 fantasy points in seven of his past eight games and has a tough matchup against the Browns in Week 17. Cleveland has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. That makes Rodgers too risky to trust in most Superflex leagues.
Injury Update: Austin has been ruled out.
With DK Metcalf suspended for the next two games, Calvin Austin III should see more opportunities in the passing game. However, Austin is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out of this week's game. If he plays, though, the 26-year-old will be a lower-end flex play in 16-plus team leagues this week. The Browns have allowed the fewest receptions and receiving yards to opposing WRs.
Other Matchups:
Since exploding for 34.5 fantasy points in Week 14, Sanders has finished outside the top-20 at the QB position in back-to-back games. Therefore, Sanders will be a lower-end QB2 play in Superflex formats this week against the Steelers. But he does have some potential in some deeper Superflex leagues. The Steelers have allowed over 17 fantasy points to a QB in five consecutive games.
Browns RBs
It remains to be seen which Browns RB will lead this backfield with Quinshon Judkins out for the season. If Dylan Sampson returns from his calf/hand injuries, he is poised for that lead RB1 role in Week 17. He would be a solid RB2 play against a Steelers defense that has let up a top-12 RB finish in three of the past four weeks. If Sampson can't go, Raheim Sanders would be a solid flex play in most leagues due to his potential workload.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Jerry Jeudy in any leagues. He has finished outside the top 55 at the WR position in five of the past six weeks and has scored just 4.2 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. So, it's best to avoid him in all formats in this game against the Steelers. Jeudy has only a 15% target share since Week 12.
Injuries:
- Dylan Sampson (hand/calf)
- Calvin Austin III (hamstring)
New England Patriots at New York Jets
Matchups We Love:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye will be a strong QB1 play in Week 17. He has scored over 20-plus fantasy points in three straight games, and the Jets have struggled to stop opposing QBs in recent weeks. Trevor Lawrence threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns back in Week 15, while Tyler Shough threw for 308 yards and one touchdown last week against this secondary. So, Maye should be in all lineups.
Patriots RBs
Injury update: TreVeyon Henderson is questionable but has cleared concussion protocol.
It remains to be seen if TreVeyon Henderson will play in Week 17 after he left last week's game due to a head injury. If he misses, Rhamondre Stevenson would be a high-end RB2 against a Jets defense that ranks 28th in fantasy points allowed and 31st in rush touchdowns allowed to opposing RBs this season.
If Henderson plays, both the rookie and Stevenson could be started in leagues. The Jets just recently allowed both De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright to finish as top-12 RBs in the same week, and this defense has allowed over 30 PPR fantasy points to an RB in three of the past six weeks. So, Henderson would be a high-end RB2, and Stevenson would be a solid flex play in 12-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Adonai Mitchell has been the top WR in this New York offense since Garrett Wilson went down. Mitchell has seen at least six targets in six straight games and has two top-14 WR finishes during this span. However, Mitchell will be a riskier WR4 option against the Patriots. Christian Gonzalez -- who ranks seventh among all CBs in fantasy points allowed per target -- will likely shadow him in this game.
Other Matchups:
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall has simply been unstartable with Brady Cook under center. He has finished outside the top 30 at the RB position in three straight games and managed to score only 8.3 PPR fantasy points last week against the Saints. Therefore, Hall will be more of an RB3 play this week against the Patriots. New England could also be getting back its star defensive tackle, Milton Williams, for this game.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs was heavily involved in New England's game plan last week, catching nine passes for 138 yards. While he has been an inconsistent fantasy option in recent weeks, he will be a high-end WR3 against the Jets on Sunday. He totaled nine catches for 105 yards against this secondary back in Week 11, and Chris Olave just torched this New York defense for 148 yards and two touchdowns last week.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has been a reliable TE1 option over the past month. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three of his last four games and just caught six passes for 35 yards and one touchdown last week. So, he's worth a look in some 14-plus team leagues this week. The Jets gave up 12 catches for 125 yards to New Orleans TEs in Week 16.
Injuries:
- TreVeyon Henderson (conussion)
New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward has looked better under center in recent games. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in three consecutive weeks and just finished as the overall QB11 against the Chiefs. However, Ward will be a lower-end QB2 play in Superflex formats this week against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed only one QB to score above 15.5 fantasy points since Week 7.
Other Matchups:
QB Tyler Shough
Shough continues to show his fantasy potential. He has scored above 17 fantasy points in three of the last four weeks and threw for a career-high 308 yards last week against the Jets. As a result, Shough could be a low-end QB1 in 14-plus team leagues this week against a Titans defense that has given up the seventh-most fantasy points and sixth-most rush yards to opposing QBs this year.
With Alvin Kamara (knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) both out last week, Audric Estime saw the majority of snaps out of the New Orleans backfield. Despite playing 58% of the team's offensive snaps, though, he only saw five carries for a whopping 20% rush share in the game. That makes him a risky option in all formats this week -- even with Kamara set to miss another game.
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has been on another level over the past three weeks. He has rushed for over 100 yards in three consecutive games and has finished as a top-12 fantasy RB in two of those three contests. With at least 15 touches in all three of those games, Pollard will be a low-end RB2 against the Saints this week. New Orleans has let an RB score at least 14 PPR fantasy points in five of its past seven contests.
WR Chimere Dike
Chimere Dike has been a viable WR option in recent weeks. He has finished as a top-24 fantasy WR in three of the past five weeks and has operated as the team's top WR since Calvin Ridley went down with a season-ending injury. However, Dike is really only a touchdown-dependent WR4 play this week. He has totaled under 45 receiving yards in seven straight contests.
WR Chris Olave
Injury Update: Olave is officially active.
Chris Olave will be a strong WR1 play in Week 17. He is coming off the best game of his season (10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns), and his connection with Shough is only getting stronger. Given that Olave has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games, he should be in all lineups.
Juwan Johnson has stepped up as the second option in this New Orleans offense. He totaled eight catches for 89 yards last week and has a solid 19% target share since Week 12. So, Johnson can be started as a TE1 in some leagues this week. The Titans have allowed a top-10 fantasy TE in three of the past four weeks.
TE Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill came out of nowhere last week and had his best fantasy performance of the season. He scored 15.3 PPR fantasy points while contributing in all three facets of New Orleans' offense. He threw for 38 yards and one touchdown, rushed for 42 yards, and caught four passes for 36 yards. However, he's just too risky to trust in the fantasy championship.
If you need a ceiling play, he could be worth the gamble as a TE1. Don't forget, though, he scored just 0.2 PPR fantasy points two weeks ago. That means Hill will have an extremely low floor.
Injuries:
- Alvin Kamara (knee) - OUT
- Chris Olave (back)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
Matchups We Love:
QB Quinn Ewers
In his first career start last week, Quinn Ewers threw for 280 yards and two interceptions en route to an 8.9 fantasy point day. As a result, fantasy managers likely can't start him in most Superflex leagues this week. But in some extremely deep Superflex formats, he is worth a look in this favorable matchup. The Buccaneers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year.
Darren Waller has a fantastic matchup in front of him in Week 17. The Buccaneers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points and third-most receiving touchdowns to opposing TEs this season. That's great news for Waller, who saw five targets from Ewers last week. However, he is likely only startable in 16-plus team leagues this weekend. He only caught three passes for 40 yards against the worst pass defense in the Bengals last week.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield hasn't really been a reliable QB1 option in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top-12 at the QB position in five consecutive games and has thrown just seven passing touchdowns over his last six contests. Even though the Dolphins just let Joe Burrow score 29 fantasy points last week, Mayfield will be more of a QB2 this week. He hasn't finished as a top-12 fantasy QB since Week 11.
RB Bucky Irving
It's definitely frustrating being a Bucky Irving fantasy owner. He has just one goal-line carry since returning from injury, while RB3 Sean Tucker has four goal-line carries over the past two weeks. Despite that, Irving will still be a solid RB2 this week. He has seen at least 17 touches in four straight games and has over a 55% rush share in three of the last four weeks.
RB De'Von Achane
Achane will continue to be a must-start RB1 this week against the Buccaneers. He scored 18 PPR fantasy points with Ewers under center last week and saw 18 opportunities in that game. You simply have to keep him in your fantasy lineups in the championship.
Jaylen Waddle posted a respectable line in his first game with Ewers under center. He caught five passes for 72 yards en route to a WR26 PPR fantasy finish. So, Waddle will be more of a middle-of-the-pack WR3 this week against the Buccaneers. The Dolphins playmaker saw nine targets last week, and Tampa Bay just let Tetairoa McMillan catch six passes for 73 yards and one touchdown last week.
Buccaneers WRs
The only two Buccaneers WRs fantasy managers should consider starting this week are Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. Evans has finished as a top-22 fantasy WR in both of his games since returning from injury, and Godwin has seen at least six targets in two of his past three games. So, Evans will be a high-end WR2, while Godwin is a lower-end WR3 in 12-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
None
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has been very hit-or-miss for fantasy managers over the last few weeks. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in three of his past five games, but has also finished outside the top 25 in his two other contests. Therefore, Darnold will be a risky QB2 play this week against a Panthers defense that has given up the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs.
QB Bryce Young
This matchup against the Seahawks is a difficult one for Bryce Young. Seattle has given up the 10th-fewest passing touchdowns to opposing QBs and has allowed under 14 fantasy points to a QB in three of the past five weeks. Therefore, Young will enter Week 17 as a lower-end QB2 option. The Panthers signal-caller has thrown for under 210 yards in four straight games.
Other Matchups:
Seahawks RBs
Kenneth Walker III had his best performance of the season last week, scoring 25.4 PPR fantasy points. However, he will still be a lower-end RB2 this week against the Panthers. He only played 44% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago and remains a low-floor, high-ceiling play. As for Zach Charbonnet, he is only worth a look in deeper leagues. He's a touchdown-dependent RB3 play.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle has severely cooled off in fantasy. He has finished outside the top 16 at the RB position in five straight games and rushed for just 29 yards in last week's win. As a result, Dowdle will be more of an RB3 this week against the Seahawks. Seattle has allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns and the fifth-fewest rushing yards to opposing RBs.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will continue to be a must-start WR1 in Week 17. He has been unreal for fantasy managers throughout the season and has scored more than 18 PPR fantasy points in 13 of 15 games this season.
WR Tetairoa McMillan
Things have been very up-and-down for Tetairoa McMillan this season, but after a 19.3 PPR fantasy point performance, he will enter the week as a lower-end WR2. Although the Seahawks have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this year, Puka Nacua just destroyed this secondary for 225 yards and two touchdowns a week ago. Just keep in mind, though, that McMillan does have a lower fantasy in this matchup.
TE AJ Barner
AJ Barner was a solid TE streamer last week behind a four-catch, 49-yard, one-touchdown performance. This week, Barner could be used again as a TE1 in some 16-plus team leagues. He has caught at least three passes in four straight games, and the Panthers have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards to opposing TEs through 16 weeks.
Injuries:
None
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
QB Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence has been on a roll in fantasy lately. He has finished as the overall QB1 in back-to-back games and has scored 10 total touchdowns (eight passing and two rushing) in these two contests. Now, he gets a matchup against a Colts defense that just let Brock Purdy throw for 295 yards and five touchdowns last week. So, Lawrence is a must-start QB1 in all formats.
Trevor Lawrence with his 3rd TD of the day!
JAXvsDEN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/Oaf25IRPQJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Jaguars WRs
This Jaguars WR room is really hard to predict for Week 17. Brian Thomas Jr. only caught two passes for 18 yards, but he has dominated this Colts secondary in his career. Parker Washington is coming off a massive six-catch, 145-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Broncos, and Jakobi Meyers has been a consistent WR2/WR3 over the past few weeks.
All three WRs could be plays this week against a Colts defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points, most receptions, and second-most receiving yards to opposing WRs. That makes Meyers a solid WR2, Thomas a low-end WR2, and Washington more of a WR4. Although Washington is coming off a great game, he is a bit risky after seeing just six combined targets in his previous two games.
Brenton Strange will have TE1 appeal in most leagues this week. He caught five passes for 39 yards and one touchdown en route to a TE9 PPR fantasy finish last week and gets a favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Colts. Indianapolis just let George Kittle catch seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown in a little over three quarters in Week 16.
Matchups We Hate:
Things haven't been great for Jonathan Taylor recently. He has finished outside the top 16 at the RB position in five straight games and has scored over 15.5 PPR fantasy points just once during this span. Therefore, Taylor will be a lower-end RB2 option this weekend against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has given up the second-fewest fantasy points and the fewest rush yards to opposing RBs in 2025.
Other Matchups:
Travis Etienne has been on a nice fantasy run since the team's Week 8. He is averaging 18.3 PPR fantasy points over his last eight games and has finished as a top-12 RB in five of those contests. As a result, fantasy managers should be starting Etienne as a high-end RB2 in all formats this weekend. Indianapolis just let Etienne score 21.2 PPR fantasy points back in Week 14.
Colts WRs
It's hard to trust any Colts WRs this week. Even though Alec Pierce (24.2 PPR fantasy points) and Josh Downs (65 receiving yards) both had solid production in Week 16, both Indianapolis playmakers are lower-end flex plays this week. Philip Rivers doesn't have the arm to throw deep, which hurts Pierce's value, and Downs will have a lower ceiling. As for Michael Pittman Jr., he should be avoided in all formats.
If fantasy managers had to pick a WR to play from this group, Downs is probably your best bet. He saw nine targets in last week's loss and has a solid matchup in the slot. Jacksonville has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing slot WRs this year. That moves Downs into high-end WR4 territory in this matchup.
TE Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren will be more of a TE2 this week against the Jaguars. He only caught two passes for 15 yards against the Jaguars in the last meeting between these two teams and has totaled just six catches for 49 yards since Rivers took over as the Indianapolis quarterback. So, he's only worth a look in 16-plus team leagues.
Rivers had a productive fantasy day in Week 16, throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns. That resulted in him scoring 18.1 fantasy points en route to a QB16 fantasy finish. However, Rivers will be an extremely low-end QB2 play in Superflex formats this week. He has a low fantasy ceiling and floor, and the Jaguars haven't allowed multiple passing touchdowns in a game since Week 10.
Injuries:
None
Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
QB Joe Burrow
Burrow was unstoppable last week, as he threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns. That marked the second time in three games that Burrow has finished as a top-5 fantasy QB. As a result, he will come in as a strong QB1 play in all formats against a Cardinals defense that has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in five of the last six weeks.
Jacoby Brissett's run of top-12 fantasy QB finishes came to an end last week. Still, fantasy managers can trust him as a solid QB1 against the Bengals in Week 17. Cincinnati has given up the third-most fantasy points, fifth-most passing yards, and third-most passing touchdowns to opposing QBs this year. That's great news for a QB who has scored above 20 fantasy points in three of the last four weeks.
Despite only scoring 6.5 PPR fantasy points last week, Michael Carter operated as the top back in this Arizona offense. He played 52% of the team's offensive snaps and had a solid 47.8% rush share. With both Trey Benson and Bam Knight out for the season, fantasy managers can trust Carter as a low-end RB2 this week. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing RBs.
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown has been one of the best fantasy RBs in the second half of the season. He has scored at least 15 PPR fantasy points in eight straight games and has finished as a top-12 fantasy RB in six of those contests. As a result, Brown will enter Week 17 as a must-start RB1 against the Cardinals. Arizona has given up the third-most fantasy points to RBs through 16 weeks.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride had his worst fantasy performance of the season in Week 16. But if you survived his dud last week and are playing for the championship this week, good luck to your opponent. McBride gets a matchup against a Bengals defense that ranks dead last in fantasy points allowed, receptions allowed, receiving yards allowed, and receiving touchdowns allowed. That makes McBride a must-start TE1.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Bengals WRs
Both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be must-start WRs in fantasy this week. The Cardinals' cornerback room doesn't have the size or speed on the outside to match up with Chase or Higgins. Therefore, Chase will be a must-start WR1, while Higgins will be a reliable WR2. Both WRs should be in for a solid fantasy game.
Cardinals WRs
Injury Update: Harrison is officially active, after being questionable for Week 17.
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s return last week hurt Michael Wilson's fantasy production. Although Wilson totaled 13.2 PPR fantasy points, he only saw three targets in that game. As for Harrison, he only caught one pass for 14 yards while playing only 51% of the team's offensive snaps. That makes it hard to trust either WR in the fantasy football championship.
The Bengals have also done a good job limiting big games to opposing WRs. They have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points, third-fewest receptions, and fifth-fewest receiving yards to the position this year. So, Harrison will be more of a WR3, while Wilson will come in as a lower-end WR2.
Injuries:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
New York Giants at Las Vegas Raiders
Matchups We Love:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith hasn't been a reliable QB option in Superflex formats this year. He has scored under 15 fantasy points in 10 of his last 11 games and is averaging just 13 fantasy points per game. But Smith has some QB2 potential in deeper Superflex leagues this week. The Giants have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs.
A lot of fantasy managers sat Ashton Jeanty last week in a tough matchup. The rookie then went on to score 31.8 PPR fantasy points. This week, Jeanty will come in as a solid RB1 play against the Giants. New York has given up the second-most fantasy points and the second-most rushing yards to opposing RBs this season. That makes Jeanty almost a must-start in all formats.
WR Tre Tucker
Although Tre Tucker hasn't done much in fantasy in recent weeks, he is worth a look in some 16-plus team leagues. He caught four passes for 43 yards last week, and the Giants' secondary has struggled to stop opposing WRs this year. New York ranks 27th in fantasy points allowed, 27th in receptions yards allowed, and 22nd in receiving touchdowns allowed to the position. So, Tucker falls into that lower-end WR4 category.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Theo Johnson
Fantasy managers should think twice about starting Theo Johnson as a TE1 in Week 17. Johnson is coming off a game in which he was held catchless and has now finished outside the top 12 at the TE position in three straight contests. Given that the Raiders have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs, the Ginats playmaker is more of a TE2 play in a tough matchup.
Other Matchups:
QB Jaxson Dart
Dart had his worst fantasy performance of the season last week, scoring just 0.02 fantasy points. That now marks the second time in three games that Dart has finished outside the top-18 at the QB position. Therefore, Dart will be a lower-end QB1 in 14-plus team leagues in Week 17. The Raiders have allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards to QBs in 2025.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. continues to be the top RB in this New York backfield. He has seen at least 15 touches in five of his past six games and has rushed for at least 70 yards in back-to-back contests. As a result, Tracy is a middle-of-the-pack RB2 option against the Raiders in Week 17. Las Vegas hasn't been a top defense against the run this year, allowing the fifth-most rushing touchdowns.
Wan'Dale Robinson will continue to have a high fantasy floor in Week 17. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in seven of his last 11 games and is clearly Dart's favorite target in the passing game. Robinson has an above-average 28.3% target share on the season. So, Robinson will be a high-floor WR2 against the Raiders this weekend.
Injuries:
- Brock Bowers (knee) - OUT
Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills
Matchups We Love:
Saquon Barkley is heating up just in time for the fantasy football championship. He has scored over 17 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and has rushed for 100 yards in two of the last three weeks. Now, he gets a matchup against a Bills defense that has given up the most rushing touchdowns to RBs this year. So, make sure Barkley is in all lineups.
Saquon gets loose!
PHIvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/qSZnGDaV4M
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
Khalil Shakir is unstartable in fantasy this week. Not only has he scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of the last four weeks, but his matchup in the slot against Cooper DeJean does not favor him. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing slot WRs this year. So, Shakir is a risky flex play in all formats.
Dallas Goedert has been a reliable TE1 option over the past three weeks. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three consecutive contests and seen 20 combined targets during this span. However, Goedert will be a riskier TE1 option in Week 17. Although Fannin just finished as the overall TE2 last week against the Bills, this is a defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to the TE position.
Since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 14, Dalton Kincaid has played under 40% of the team's offensive snaps in all three games. Considering he ran just 11 routes in last week's win, Kincaid should be avoided in most formats this week. The Eagles have also allowed the fewest receiving yards to opposing TEs through 16 weeks.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen had his worst fantasy performance of the season against the Browns last week. He scored just 6.9 fantasy points while throwing for 130 yards and zero touchdowns. Nevertheless, Allen will still be a must-start QB1 in all formats. He ranks first among all quarterbacks in fantasy points scored this season.
QB Jalen Hurts
After struggling against the Chargers in Week 14, Jalen Hurts has now put together back-to-back solid performances for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in back-to-back games and thrown five passing touchdowns across those two contests. So, Hurts will be a solid QB1 option this week against the Bills.
RB James Cook
James Cook has been one of the best fantasy RBs this season. He ranks sixth among all RBs in fantasy points per game, first in rush yards per game, and tied for fourth in rush touchdowns. That means fantasy managers should continue to start Cook as an RB1 in all fantasy formats. He had scored over 26 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back contests.
Eagles WRs
Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will be solid starts this week. Brown has scored at least 16 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games, and Smith finished as the overall WR18 last week behind a six-catch, 42-yard, one-touchdown performance. That makes Brown a low-end WR1, while Smith will be a lower-end WR2. Since Smith has seen at least eight targets in four of the last five weeks, he should be started in most cases.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
Matchups We Love:
Jauan Jennings has stepped up as the top WR in this San Francisco offense recently. That has certainly helped his fantasy numbers over the last few weeks. He has finished as a top-20 fantasy WR in five of the last six weeks and has scored above 18 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. So, Jennings will be a solid WR2 option in Week 17 against a Bears offense that has allowed the third-most receiving touchdowns to WRs.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy has been one of the best fantasy QBs over the last two weeks. He has finished as the QB4 and QB2 in each of the past two contests and is coming off a game where he threw for 295 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, Purdy will be a solid QB1 option against the Bears in Week 17. Chicago ranks in the bottom five in both passing touchdowns and rushing yards allowed to QBs.
Caleb Williams hasn't been the most consistent QB1 option this season. However, he will come in as a solid QB1 this week. Williams has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in three straight games, and this 49ers secondary struggled against a Rivers-led offense in Week 16. That's enough reason to start the Bears signal-caller in most formats.
At this point, fantasy managers know what to expect from D'Andre Swift. He'll play around 55% of the team's offensive snaps and see somewhere between 15 to 20 touches each game. That means Swift will be a middle-of-the-pack RB2 option against the 49ers in Week 17. The good news for him in this game is that San Francisco ranks 31st in receptions allowed to RBs this year.
Christian McCaffrey is simply unreal. He scored 32.6 PPR fantasy points in last week's win and has caught at least six passes in 10 different contests this season. So, McCaffrey needs to be in all lineups in the fantasy football championship.
Bears WRs
Injury Update: Burden is off the injury report, while Odunze has been ruled out. Both Burden and Moore are now WR3 plays this week.
It remains to be seen if Luther Burden III (ankle) or Rome Odunze (foot) plays in Week 17. If neither do, DJ Moore becomes a solid WR2 start in all formats. He scored 21.9 PPR fantasy points as the WR1 in this Chicago offense last week and had a 25% target share in that contest. This matchup is also better than a week ago, considering the 49ers just let Pierce finish as the overall WR5 in Week 16.
TE George Kittle
Injury Update: Kittle is "highly unlikely" to play in Week 17.
George Kittle left last week's game early due to an ankle injury. Assuming he plays in Week 17, though, Kittle will remain a must-start TE1 in all formats. He caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown in Week 16 and has scored above 22 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. The veteran should be in all lineups.
Colston Loveland was a bit disappointing last week, as he caught just three passes for 30 yards. But if both Odunze and Burden miss another game, Loveland becomes a low-end TE1 in Week 17 against the 49ers. The rookie would be the second option in Chicago's passing attack, and the 49ers have allowed a top-12 fantasy TE finish in three of their past five games.
Injuries:
- Rome Odunze (foot)
- George Kittle (ankle)
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
A lot of fantasy managers trusted Colby Parkinson in their lineups last week. Unfortunately, Parkinson busted big time by scoring just 4.1 PPR fantasy points. Those looking to start Parkinson again this week should avoid him in most formats. The Falcons have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs, and only three TEs have finished top-12 at the position against them this year.
Other Matchups:
Matthew Stafford will be a strong QB1 option in Week 17 against the Falcons. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in seven of his last nine games and currently ranks first in passing touchdowns, first in pass yards per game, and third in fantasy points per game. Therefore, Stafford is a must-start against a Falcons defense that has allowed over 20 fantasy points to a QB in four of the past six weeks.
QB Kirk Cousins
Things are starting to click on offense for the Falcons. That has helped Cousins go from unstartable to a viable QB2 option in Superflex formats. He has finished as a top-14 fantasy QB in consecutive games and has thrown five passing touchdowns over the last two weeks. So, the veteran can be started as a QB2 in some Superflex formats against a Rams defense that has let a QB score over 20 fantasy points in four straight games.
Even though Kyren Williams has lost some opportunities to back up Blake Corum, he is still a solid RB2 play for fantasy managers. He has rushed for at least 70 yards in seven of his last eight games and has scored four touchdowns over the past weeks. So, Williams should be in most lineups this week against the Falcons.
Bijan Robinson has been getting fed in recent weeks. He has seen 50 touches over the past two games and has scored above 29 PPR fantasy points in three of the last four weeks. Therefore, Robinson is a must-start RB1 in all formats.
WR Puka Nacua
There has been no WR than Nacua in the first two rounds of the fantasy football playoffs. He scored 27.9 PPR fantasy points in Week 15 and then scored 46.5 PPR fantasy points last week against the Seahawks. So, you're starting Nacua in all leagues.
WR Drake London
Drake London was limited in his return from a knee injury last week. He played 69% of the team's offensive snaps and ran 28 routes. Still, he saw eight targets and should be even healthier heading into Week 16. So, London will be a high-end WR2 against a Rams defense that has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to WRs this season.
Kyle Pitts Sr. has been one of the top fantasy options at the TE position since Week 13. He has four straight top-6 fantasy TE finishes and just finished as the overall TE3 last week against the Cardinals. Given his recent fantasy performances, Pitts will be a strong TE1 play in all formats. He has seen 31 combined targets over the last three weeks.
Injuries:
- Davante Adams (hamstring)
Matchup Analysis - Super Saturday Slate
Be sure to check out our Week 17 Super Saturday matchups and start 'em, sit 'em picks for this week's Saturday double-header between the Texans vs. Chargers and Ravens vs. Packers.
More Fantasy Football Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
