Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, Breece Hall: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 17

December 28, 2023

Should I start Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, or Breece Hall for Week 17? Fantasy football start em, sit em picks and recommendations for the 2023 NFL season.

The bulk of the Week 17 NFL slate is finally here, meaning it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, and Breece Hall are all hot names ahead of Thursday's game.

All three players have had multiple productive outings in 2023. Can they add another this week?

Should you start Ford, Hunt, or Hall in Week 17? Let's dive in.

Should I Start Jerome Ford for Fantasy Football?

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford has scored at least 10 PPR points in 10 of the last 14 games this year while consistently seeing anywhere from 12 to 16 touches per game. The 24-year-old rushed the ball 15 times in Week 16 but was held to just 25 yards while having just one reception for negative two yards. He did find the end zone on the team's opening drive to somewhat salvage the day.

The Browns take on the Jets in Week 17, who allow the seventh-most points per game to running backs this season. New York ranks 13th in DVOA against the rush this year, and the beat-up Browns' offensive line has led to them being an air-raid offense with Joe Flacco. The veteran signal-caller does throw plenty of checkdowns to his running backs, which should allow Ford to have a solid day in some form. He ranks as an RB3/flex option ahead of Week 17.

He is the RB32 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Kareem Hunt for Fantasy Football?

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has scored a touchdown in seven of the 11 games he has played this year, but he has never rushed for more than 55 yards in a game. With Ford serving as the lead back, the 28-year-old typically only sees around eight to 10 touches per game, but he does handle most of the goal line work.

The Jets allow the seventh-most points per game to running backs this year, but they rank 13th in DVOA against the run. Cleveland's run game has recently experienced little to no success due to numerous offensive line injuries, leading to an increased reliance on the passing game. Since Joe Flacco took over, Hunt has had just one game with 10 PPR points, thanks to a touchdown in Week 14. As Ford serves as the primary rushing and receiving back, Hunt needs a touchdown for a decent fantasy output.

He is the RB41 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Breece Hall for Fantasy Football?

New York Jets running back Breece Hall ranks as the RB5 this year, averaging nearly 16 PPR points per game. He exploded in Week 16, rushing 20 times for 95 yards and a touchdown while catching a season-high 12 passes for 96 receiving yards. The star running back finished with 43 PPR points, and he has had at least 18 touches in three of the last four games.

The Jets take on a tough Browns' defense in Week 17, which allows the ninth-fewest points per game to running backs this season. Cleveland ranks number one in DVOA against the rush this year, and Jaylen Warren is the only running back to have more than 56 rushing yards against the Browns in Cleveland. Despite the challenging matchup, Hall should see heavy receiving volume, contributing to a solid output. This ranks him as a low-end RB2 ahead of a tough matchup in Cleveland.

He is the RB27 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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