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Dave's fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks for Week 17 of 2025. His fantasy football outlooks for Geno Smith, Justin Herbert, Blake Corum, Rhamondre Stevenson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Khalil Shakir, Dallas Goedert, Mike Gesicki, more.
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 17 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Geno Smith, Justin Herbert, Blake Corum, Rhamondre Stevenson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Khalil Shakir, Dallas Goedert, and Mike Gesicki. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 17. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start ... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
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Sunday Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions
The final week of the 2025 fantasy football season is upon us. Congratulations if you've made it this far. You are just one victory away from capturing the ultimate fantasy football glory.
The stakes are the highest they've been all season. One bad lineup decision could be the difference between winning and losing a fantasy football title. So, which players could lead your team to a championship, and which ones could tank your hopes? Let's take a few minutes and discuss.
Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and download the RotoBaller app for all your fantasy football needs. Here are our start ‘em and sit ‘em picks for Week 17.
QB Starts - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Brock Purdy - QB, San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
Purdy has been white-hot since the fantasy playoffs started. He has thrown for 590 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns over his last two games.
Brock Purdy and the 49ers answer with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson 🎯
SFvsIND on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/jhABiTOQM5— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
His hot streak has a good chance to continue this weekend. The Bears rank 21st in FTN Fantasy's defensive passing DVOA and have allowed the third-most touchdown passes to quarterbacks this year per Fantasy Football Today.
Look for Purdy to have another strong performance and possibly carry managers to a fantasy title in the process.
Jacoby Brissett - QB, Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
The Brissett Express finally crashed and burned last week. After nine straight QB1 finishes, Brissett only threw for 203 yards and one touchdown, and finished Week 16 as the overall QB23. It was a huge letdown, especially after he played surprisingly well against the Houston Texans in Week 15.
The 10-year veteran has a good chance of bouncing back this weekend as the Cardinals face a Bengals defense that's allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year. Look for Brissett to return another QB1 finish and have success in this game. He is one of the top streaming options available for Week 17.
Geno Smith - QB, Las Vegas Raiders vs. New York Giants
Smith returned from a shoulder injury in Week 16 and played quite well in the process. Now he'll face a Giants defense that ranks 26th in PFF's pass coverage grade and allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Smith hasn't been playable for most of the 2025 season, but this looks like one of the few times where throwing him into lineups isn't the worst idea. Start him as a QB2 in superflex leagues and consider him a viable streaming play in single quarterback leagues.
QB Sits - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Justin Herbert - QB, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
Herbert is coming off one of his better games of the season in Week 16, but fantasy gamers should be hesitant to start him this weekend. Los Angeles will take on the Houston Texans, and Houston has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks all year.
Even though the Texans' defense is coming off a down performance in Week 16, expect them to get back on track here. That will be problematic for Herbert, who is playing behind a patchwork offensive line. Look for the Houston defense to give Herbert fits, and managers would be wise to send him to their bench.
Cameron Ward - QB, Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints
Even though Ward has been playing better in recent weeks, this is a tough spot to trust him. The Saints are playing some of their best ball of the season and are playing hard for head coach Kellen Moore. New Orleans has also allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and ranks 12th in PFF's pass coverage grade.
There are other quarterbacks in better matchups worth starting over Ward. Leave the Titans' rookie on your bench this week.
Aaron Rodgers - QB, Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Rodgers played well in Pittsburgh's first game against the Browns back in Week 6. This time, though, he will be missing his top target as D.K. Metcalf has been suspended for the final two games of the regular season.
That could make life difficult for Rodgers as the Browns rank eighth in defensive passing DVOA and have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this year. Rodgers is not a recommended streamer for single quarterback leagues, and managers in superflex leagues should pivot to other options.
RB Starts - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Blake Corum - RB, Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons
Corum has really flourished down the homestretch. He's consistently split carries with Kyren Williams and has posted four straight top-24 finishes.
Blake Corum scores one play after the INT!
LARvsSEA on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9OSCd5GtH0— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2025
He has a great chance at another quality outing this weekend as the Falcons rank 24th in defensive rushing DVOA and have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards this year. The Rams are listed as 8-point favorites here, and could be playing with a lead for the majority of this game. That would also raise Corum's floor.
Consider him a viable flex play who is live for a big performance in a plus matchup.
Rhamondre Stevenson - RB, New England Patriots at New York Jets
We'll see if Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson suits up this weekend after sustaining a concussion in last week's game. Even if Henderson plays, this is still a good spot to take a flyer on Stevenson.
The Jets' run defense has been awful since trading away defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. New York has now allowed the fifth-most PPR points to running backs as well as the fifth-most rushing yards in the league. Expect the Patriots to hammer the Jets' defense on the ground and for Stevenson to be a major beneficiary. Start him as a flex play.
Kenneth Walker III - RB, Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
Walker is fresh off a surprise boom game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. This week, he draws a more favorable matchup. Carolina ranks 25th in PFF's rushing defense grade and has allowed the eighth-most PPR points to running backs this year.
Look for Walker to break off a couple of long runs in this game and possibly find the endzone for the second consecutive week. Start him as a backend RB2 or flex with upside for more.
RB Sits - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Woody Marks/Nick Chubb - RBs, Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers
It looks like both Houston running backs will suit up this week. While that's a good thing for the Texans, it's not necessarily good news for fantasy managers. The Chargers have allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game this year.
We could be looking at a defensive, low-scoring game here, and that could mean points are at a premium. It would also mean that Marks and Chubb will carry little upside for fantasy purposes. Leave both players on your bench and consider other options.
Breece Hall - RB, New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Hall has been downright awful the last three weeks. His highest finish during that span is a PPR RB38 finish in Week 16.
Don't expect things to get any better this weekend as the Patriots have allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to running backs this year. Throw in another week of Brady Cook starting at quarterback, and it's hard to recommend playing Hall in any format.
Rico Dowdle - RB, Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Dowdle hasn't played well for the majority of the second half of the season. Now he draws an extremely tough matchup against a Seahawks defense that ranks first in defensive rushing DVOA.
This looks like a spot where the Carolina rushing attack could really struggle, and it would mean Dowdle posts another poor performance. That means it's best if fantasy managers leave him on the bench in favor of other options.
WR Starts - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Jakobi Meyers - WR, Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Meyers is coming off a down game in Week 16. However, he has the perfect get-right spot in front of him this weekend. The Colts rank 29th in PFF's pass coverage grade and have allowed the third-most PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Start Meyers as a WR3 with upside for more. He is a clear favorite of the Jacksonville coaching staff and plays a valuable role in head coach Liam Coen's offense. He could pop for a surprise big game and help you secure a title in the process.
Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
Harrison's sophomore season has been highly disappointing for fantasy gamers. However, he could close out the fantasy season on a high note here. The Bengals rank 30th in defensive passing DVOA and have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game.
This is a good spot for Harrison to have one of his better games of the season. Start him as a WR3 or flex play.
Drake London - WR, Atlanta Falcons vs. Los Angeles Rams
London struggled in his first game back from a knee injury in Week 16. He only posted a 3-27-0 line on eight targets and finished as the PPR WR67.
He should have better results this weekend against a Rams defense that's allowed the sixth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Don't let last week's dud deter you. London is a stud and is capable of producing a league-winning performance in this game. Start him in all formats.
WR Sits - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Khalil Shakir - WR, Buffalo Bills vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Shakir is a favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen, but this is a difficult matchup for the Buffalo wide receiver. Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Shakir is a better play in full PPR formats. However, according to RotoBaller's Week 17 WR/CB matchup chart, Shakir is slated to go against Eagles slot cornerback Cooper DeJean. This could be a very difficult matchup for Shakir, making it more likely he could bust.
There are receivers in better matchups worth starting over Shakir in this spot. Look elsewhere for a WR3 play.
Ladd McConkey - WR, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
McConkey scored his sixth touchdown of the season against the Dallas Cowboys last week. However, he only registered 43 receiving yards and four receptions on six targets and remained part of a frustrating wide receiver committee.
This weekend does not look like the time McConkey pops for a spike game, as the Texans have allowed the second-fewest PPR points per game to wide receivers. McConkey has just been too inconsistent this year to recommend starting in a tough matchup. Leave him on the bench and consider other options.
Chris Godwin Jr. - WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
Godwin has only had one top-24 finish in PPR leagues since returning from injury in Week 12. Now he draws a tough matchup against a Miami Dolphins defense that has sneakily been very good against wide receivers. Miami has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers this year.
With Mike Evans back healthy, and the Tampa Bay coaching staff claiming they want to get rookie Emeka Egbuka more involved in the team's offense, this is setting up as a good time to fade Godwin. That means it's probably best if fantasy managers leave him on their bench this weekend.
TE Starts - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Mike Gesicki - TE, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals
Usually, in this article, we target tight ends facing the Cincinnati Bengals. However, this week we will recommend a tight end who actually plays for the Bengals.
Gesicki has scored a touchdown in two of his last three games. He could very well find the end zone again this weekend as the Cardinals have allowed the sixth-most touchdowns to tight ends this year. Arizona has also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position.
Gamers streaming tight ends should consider Gesicki a fine option. He is live to find the end zone and could post a sneaky-high yardage total, too.
Harold Fannin Jr. - TE, Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fannin was a late addition to the Browns' injury report with a groin injury. The Browns' rookie has stated he intends to play. We'll see if he does, but for now, we will assume he takes the field.
Fannin draws a good matchup to continue his strong play (he's posted four straight TE1 finishes in PPR leagues), as the Steelers rank 23rd in DVOA against tight ends. Cleveland's new TE1 has been a favorite target of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and that trend should continue here. Consider him a strong TE1 play this weekend.
Brenton Strange - TE, Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Strange bounced back in Week 16 following two straight subpar outings. He posted a 5-39-1 line on seven targets to finish the week as the PPR TE10.
Some TDs are just Strange
JAXvsDEN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/fCCXYvV6Vf
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025
Jacksonville's TE1 has a good chance to post another strong outing in Week 17. The Colts rank 26th in DVOA against tight ends and allow an average of 70.5 receiving yards per game to the position.
Gamers should consider Strange one of this week's top streaming candidates, and he is live to post another TE1 finish.
TE Sits - Week 17 Fantasy Football
Dallas Goedert - TE, Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills
Goedert has played well over the last month, but he runs into a tough matchup this weekend as Buffalo has allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. Leave Goedert on your bench and pursue other options.
Colby Parkinson - TE, Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons
Parkinson let gamers down in a big way in the fantasy semi-finals. Even though he played 86% of offensive snaps, he only caught two passes for 21 receiving yards. Now he takes on a Falcons team that ranks seventh in DVOA against tight ends. With the Rams likely to rely on their ground attack to score a victory here, this doesn't look like a good time to trust Parkinson.
Theo Johnson - TE, New York Giants at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders did allow Dalton Schultz to post a 5-35-1 line on five targets last weekend. However, they have still allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to tight ends in 2025. Las Vegas also allows just 40.7 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends.
Given Jaxson Dart's inconsistent play as well as Johnson's own propensity to make mistakes (13.7% drop rate per Fantasy Points Data Suite), it's hard to recommend gamers should trust New York's TE1 with a fantasy championship on the line.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
Week 17 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players -- Geno Smith, Justin Herbert, Blake Corum, Rhamondre Stevenson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Khalil Shakir, Dallas Goedert, and Mike Gesicki. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 17.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool, but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circles), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 17 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 17 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 17 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 17 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Geno Smith, Justin Herbert, Blake Corum, Rhamondre Stevenson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Khalil Shakir, Dallas Goedert, and Mike Gesicki compared to others:
More Fantasy Football Analysis
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