Michael Pittman Jr.: High-Floor Fantasy WR3 in Week 17
Across 15 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has recorded 76 receptions for 757 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 targets. However, Pittman Jr.'s production has fallen off since Philip Rivers took over for Daniel Jones (Achilles) as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis. Across his last two games, Pittman Jr. has recorded seven catches for 58 yards on 10 targets. His touchdown production has also dried up over the second half of the season, as he has just one end zone grab since Week 8. In Week 17, Pittman Jr. will face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has been susceptible to allowing production through the air. The Jaguars enter the week ranked 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Pittman Jr. played well in his first matchup of the season against Jacksonville, hauling in nine catches for 79 yards on 12 targets. Pittman Jr.'s lack of explosive ability limits his production upside, but he profiles as a solid fantasy WR3 in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints D/ST Look to Stay Hot Against Titans
The New Orleans Saints D/ST dominated in Week 16, recording eight sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery in the 29-6 victory over the Jets. They pressured rookie quarterback Brady Cook all game, limiting him to 22-of-35 passing for 188 yards and a passer rating of 64.9. Their next challenge comes against first-overall pick Cam Ward and the Titans, who defeated the Chiefs 26-9 in Week 16. Despite the tougher quarterback matchup, the Saints D/ST remains a top play, as Tennessee allows the fourth-most sacks per game and scores just 16.7 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Charlie Smyth Questionable for Week 17 Against Titans
New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth went 5-for-6 on field goal attempts and converted both extra points in the Week 16 victory over the Jets. His only miss came from 61 yards at the end of the first half. Since joining the Saints, Smyth is 9-of-11 on field goals and 7-for-7 on PATs. He enters Week 17 with a questionable tag due to an illness, but if he suits up, he is a solid option against a Tennessee team that has allowed three field goals in four of its last six games.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Juwan Johnson Remains a Steady Piece in Saints' Passing Game
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson hauled in eight of nine targets for 89 yards in the Week 16 victory over the Jets. His eight receptions were his most since Week 1, and Johnson has maintained a steady role in the Saints' passing attack all season, recording either a touchdown or at least four catches in all but two games. With injuries across the offense and a growing connection with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, he should continue to see a healthy volume of targets. Johnson projects as a TE1 against a Titans defense that ranks middle of the pack against opposing tight ends.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Chris Olave Expected to Be Full-Go Against Titans
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave hauled in 10 receptions on 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 16 victory over the Jets. The season-best outing pushed the fourth-year wideout past 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career. With Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) and Devin Neal (hamstring) sidelined, Olave saw a large workload as the Saints leaned heavily on the passing game, throwing 50 times against New York. He enters Week 17 listed as questionable with a lingering back issue that has kept him on the report since Week 13, though he is expected to be a "full-go" against the Titans. Assuming he is ready to go, Olave remains a clear WR1 against a Tennessee defense allowing the 11th-most PPR points to receivers this season.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Audric Estime Takes Backseat in Saints' Offense
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime rushed five times for 19 yards and caught three of four targets for 17 yards in the Week 16 victory over the Jets. Estime was expected to lead the Saints' backfield with Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) and Devin Neal (hamstring) both sidelined, but it was veteran Taysom Hill who handled a team-high 12 rush attempts. Fellow running back Evan Hull also received just five carries. The usage was concerning for Estime's fantasy outlook, and with Hill heavily involved across all facets of the offense, Estime appears to be more of a complementary back. He profiles as a low-end RB3/Flex option against the Titans in Week 17.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Taysom Hill Continues Do-It-All Role for New Orleans
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill put together one of the more impressive stat lines of the season in the Week 16 win over the Jets, rushing 12 times for 42 yards, catching four of six targets for 36 yards, and throwing a 38-yard touchdown on his lone pass attempt. The performance cemented Hill's place in history, as he became the first player in the Super Bowl era to reach 1,000 career yards passing, rushing, and receiving. With Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) and Devin Neal (hamstring) sidelined, Hill operated as the Saints' primary rushing threat, while Audric Estime and Evan Hull each received only five carries. With Kamara set to miss another week and Neal on IR, Hill should once again be heavily involved against the Titans in Week 17. His do-it-all role makes him a TE1 for the contest.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Tyler Shough Looking to Extend Win Streak Against Titans
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough completed 32 of 49 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown in Week 16's victory over the Jets. The performance marked career highs in both pass attempts and passing yards, while extending New Orleans' winning streak to three games. With a depleted backfield, the Saints leaned heavily on the passing game, throwing the ball at a 2:1 rate compared to rushing attempts (50 passes to 25 rushes). With no positive developments in the running back room ahead of a Week 17 matchup against the Titans, New Orleans could once again funnel the offense through the air. Shough shapes up as a strong streaming option against a Tennessee defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Theo Johnson Downgraded to Out for Week 17 Due to Illness
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) has ruled out for his team's Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an illness. Johnson was a late addition to the injury report on Friday, and he will not travel with the team to Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has functioned as the Giants' TE1 all season long, recording 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. He's played at least 70% of New York's offensive snaps in every game in 2025. In his absence, Daniel Bellinger will likely step in as the lead receiving tight end for the Giants. Bellinger has hauled in 15 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets across 14 games so far this season. Despite the improved playing time outlook, he profiles as a risky start for fantasy managers in Week 17.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Jonathan Taylor Remains a Must-Start Running Back in Week 17
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been excellent overall this season, recording 1,840 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns on 329 touches across 15 games. However, the 26-year-old's rushing efficiency has nose-dived in the second half of the season. Across his last seven games played, Taylor has averaged more than four yards per carry just once. In the two games since Philip Rivers took over as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis, Taylor is averaging 3.2 yards per rush attempt. In Week 17, Taylor faces a tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who enter the week ranked sixth in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). However, Jacksonville has allowed 19 rushing touchdowns on the season, which ranks tied for fourth-worst in the league. Additionally, Taylor remains a safe bet for a heavy workload, as he's seen at least 19 touches in six straight weeks. Despite the efficiency concerns, Taylor remains a must-start fantasy running back in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Parker Washington a Risky Flex Play in Week 17
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is an interesting option to consider in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars offense has been great the past few weeks, and Washington at times has been the forefront of it. Last week he managed a whopping 145 yards on just six catches against the top Broncos defense. However, he only had a 56% snap share, which makes him a boom-or-bust option. He also has plenty of target competition, and against a weaker defense, his competition won't be covered as well as against Denver. There's still a chance Washington performs well, but it's certainly not guaranteed. Washington is a decent FLEX play in Week 17, but is a bit risky for teams in the fantasy championship.
Source: Parker Washington RotoBaller
Source: Parker Washington RotoBaller
Philip Rivers Could Be Forced into Pass-Heavy Game Script in Week 17
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is set to make his third start of the 2025 season in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since being called out of retirement in early December, the 44-year-old has held his own. Across two games, Rivers has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While Rivers offers zero production upside with his legs, he proved he could still be efficient as a passer by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Rivers will face a Jaguars defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Jacksonville ranks 6th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1), so Indianapolis may be forced to turn to the air more often than they would like. With the potential for a pass-heavy game script, Rivers profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 option in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giants Defense Has Low-End Starting Appeal in Favorable Week 17 Matchup
Entering Week 17, the New York Giants defense ranks 29th among NFL defenses in total yardage allowed and 28th in points allowed. New York has given up at least 27 points in seven out of its last nine contests. However, the Giants have a very favorable matchup on paper in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas enters the week ranked last in the NFL in both total yards and total points scored. The Raiders have scored more than 17 points just once over their last seven games and have been held to 10 points or fewer six times so far this season. Additionally, Las Vegas placed star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on Injured Reserve earlier this week, removing their best offensive weapon from the equation. The Giants' defensive line should have a chance to wreak some havoc against the struggling Raiders' offensive line, which has allowed 57 sacks through 16 games in 2025. All in all, the Giants D/ST profiles as a low-end starting unit for fantasy managers in Week 17 against Las Vegas.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patriots Defense a Top Fantasy Option for Week 17 in New York
The New England Patriots D/ST enters Week 17 against the New York Jets as one of the most appealing options in fantasy football. The Patriots are coming off a strong two-turnover performance against the Baltimore Ravens, and their upside is significantly higher this week against the Jets. New York has been eliminated from the playoffs, will be without Garrett Wilson (knee), and plans to start undrafted rookie Brady Cook at quarterback. New England has a high probability of forcing at least one turnover this week, as Cook has a whopping seven turnovers over three games (two starts). Furthermore, the Jets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses in 2025. As it stands, the Patriots rank #2 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andy Borregales Headed for a High-Scoring Performance?
New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales has been one of the most impressive rookie special teamers in the NFL this season, and he's likely headed for another high-scoring performance against the New York Jets in Week 17. Borregales has made 13 field goals and 14 extra points over his last five games, and he hasn't missed a kick in two games since the bye week. He has been the 10th-highest-scoring kicker in fantasy football this year, and he's surging just in time for the culmination of the fantasy playoffs. He should also benefit from an extremely enticing matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the most fantasy points to kickers in 2025. The stars are aligning for Borregales to be a top-five fantasy kicker this week. He should be started in all leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devin Singletary Tough to Trust in Week 17
Across seven games since New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury, Giants back Devin Singletary has seen an average of 12.1 touches per game. However, the 28-year-old's role has begun to fade again in recent weeks, as he's averaging just nine touches per game over his last two contests. In that two-game span, Singletary has been out-snapped by Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. 87 to 37. While Singletary is still a safe bet to log a few carries and could see some work around the goal-line, Tracy Jr.'s recent emergence as the clear RB1 in New York limits Singletary's production upside. Making matters worse, Singletary faces a quietly difficult matchup in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Entering the weekend, Las Vegas ranks fourth among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.8). At best, Singletary profiles as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DeMario Douglas Has Upside Amid Injury Uncertainty
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (hamstring) could sneak onto the fantasy radar in deeper leagues, but first, he'll need to shake his injury concerns. The third-year receiver is listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Jets. If Douglas suits up, he should earn additional targets with Mack Hollins (abdomen) and Kayshon Boutte (concussion) both sidelined. In that scenario, Douglas would presumably operate as the No. 3 wide receiver behind Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams. Of that group, Diggs has the highest upside, but Douglas is still a solid fantasy play given his usage in short-yardage and medium-yardage situations. He has a catch in 13 of 15 games this season and should rank as a top-50 fantasy receiver for Week 17. He'll likely benefit from this matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. Douglas has played in the slot on 71.1% of his snaps.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenton Strange a Low-End TE1 Against Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has been inconsistent, but he has a chance to be serviceable against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Strange hasn't been the most targeted, but since returning from injury in Week 12, he has had decent involvement in the Jaguars thriving offense. He did manage 93 yards in Week 12 and a touchdown each in Weeks 13 and 16, but his overall season numbers don't stand out in any way. However, in a plus matchup and a week with plenty of injured tight ends, Strange is certainly startable. Fantasy managers can do better, but can also do much worse than Strange, who might be an injury replacement for injured studs Brock Bowers (knee) and George Kittle (ankle) for numerous fantasy managers in their Week 17 fantasy championships.
Source: Brenton Strange RotoBaller
Source: Brenton Strange RotoBaller
Theo Johnson a Risky Start in Week 17
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson has been a steady, low-end producer for most of the 2025 season, recording 45 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. However, he was held without a catch on two targets by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. Johnson's Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is more favorable, which should give fantasy managers more confidence re-inserting him in the lineup. Before Week 16, Johnson has recorded at least 10 PPR fantasy points in five out of his last eight games and at least three receptions in all eight contests. Still, his upside is limited in a Giants' offense that is averaging just 16.3 points per game over its last three matchups. Johnson profiles as a low-end fantasy TE2 in Week 17 against Las Vegas.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jakobi Meyers a Safe WR2 in Week 17 Against the Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is among the safer options at wide receiver this week against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars' offense is clicking, and Meyers has been the most consistently targeted option for Trevor Lawrence. He has had at least six targets in every game since Week 11 and has usually been able to muster at least a good chunk of yards or a touchdown. Against the Colts in Week 14, he earned his most targets of the season with the Jaguars, with 10, but only managed four catches for 39 yards, but salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown. Given his consistent involvement with the offense, Meyers is a safe play in Week 17 for managers looking for someone reliable to start in their fantasy championship.
Source: Jakobi Meyers RotoBaller
Source: Jakobi Meyers RotoBaller
Darius Slayton Has Deep-League Flex Appeal in Week 17
Across 13 games this season, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has recorded 31 receptions for 468 yards and a touchdown on 51 targets. Slayton is coming off one of his worst games of 2025 in Week 16, hauling in just one catch for eight yards on two targets against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the 28-year-old is now facing a far easier matchup in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Entering the week, Las Vegas ranks 18th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.1). The Raiders have also ruled out star edge rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) with a knee injury, which should make life significantly easier on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Before his Week 16 dud, Slayton had recorded at least 9.3 PPR fantasy points in four out of his last five games. He profiles as a low-end deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Thomas Jr. a WR2/Flex Against Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is an interesting player in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars' offense has been impressive over the last few weeks, but that hasn't meant guaranteed production for the second-year pro. With that said, the Colts are a great matchup, which Thomas Jr. somewhat took advantage of in Week 14, putting up 87 yards on just three catches. If BTJ can combine that big-play ability with an endzone trip or two, he could be in for a big day. However, after just 18 yards last week, he is difficult to trust. Thomas Jr. is a boom-or-bust play that is certainly worth consideration in Week 17, especially with the numerous injuries to close out the season.
Source: Brian Thomas Jr. RotoBaller
Source: Brian Thomas Jr. RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson a Bounce-back Candidate for Week 17
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is coming off his lowest fantasy finish since Week 4, as the Giants look to put their disastrous Week 16 performance behind them. In a 16-13 loss to the Vikings, New York finished with as many passing yards as points allowed. Nobody should be excited to start Robinson coming off a three-catch, 19-yard performance, but when considering that he accounted for nearly 40% of the team's targets and over half the receiving yardage, a bounce back could be in store against a Las Vegas team that has already shut down Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Jeremy Chinn. Robinson is 99 yards away from his first career 1,000-yard season, and he projects as RotoBaller's WR26 against a shorthanded Raiders defense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Etienne Jr. a Must-Start in Week 17
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has thrived over the past three weeks and should continue to succeed in a rematch from Week 14 with the Indianapolis Colts. The whole Jaguars offense is clicking to end the season, and Etienne Jr. has been a primary benefactor of the improved performance. He has been a fiend for the end zone lately, especially in the receiving game, making him a high-upside dual threat out of the backfield. With backup rookie Bhayshul Tuten (finger) potentially out again, Etienne Jr. should dominate touches out of the backfield. In the biggest week of the fantasy season, managers should feel good about starting Etienne Jr. in Week 17 against the Colts.
Source: Travis Etienne Jr. RotoBaller
Source: Travis Etienne Jr. RotoBaller
Evan McPherson a Top Fantasy Kicker in Week 17
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson made a career-high six field goals in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, he's been relatively quiet in the last three weeks by draining his only attempt during that span. All things considered, the 26-year-old is viewed as a top fantasy option at the position in Week 17, considering the Bengals offense is projected to put up plenty of points against a weak Cardinals defense. As a result, McPherson is a must-start, especially since he has an excellent chance to finish as the week's highest-scoring fantasy kicker.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Trevor Lawrence a Clear QB1 for Fantasy Championships
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been on a tear towards the end of the season, and will look to continue his great play in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. He has combined for over almost 700 total yards and 10 total touchdowns the last two weeks, with the previous week's performance coming against a great Broncos defense. Clearly, the Jaguars' offense is clicking, so expectations should be that it continues. The Colts' defense is banged up, so Lawrence has a chance to be even better than his Week 14 performance against their division rival. Fantasy managers should continue to ride Lawrence to a potential fantasy championship in Week 17.
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Tyrone Tracy Jr. a Safe RB2 Play in Week 17
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has seen quality usage down the stretch and projects as a high-floor RB2 against a Raiders team that looks to have turned their attention to 2026. With the number one pick of the upcoming NFL draft potentially at stake on Sunday, Las Vegas has already shut down Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Jeremy Chinn, and the Giants are slight favorites on the road. Averaging 18.5 opportunities per game, since Week 10, Tracy has finished as a top-15 fantasy running back three times over that span, including an RB5 finish against the Commanders in Week 15. And while he's scored only three total touchdowns on the season, 12 of his 16 red zone looks have come in the past four games. Against a Raiders defense that struggled against the run even when they were trying, Tracy looks to be a safe Week 17 start.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Gesicki a Viable Streaming Option in Week 17
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has seen an uptick in production of late by scoring a touchdown in two of his previous three appearances. While the veteran had only four catches in the last two weeks, he's still playing better than most anticipated. With a favorable matchup on the horizon against an injury-plagued Cardinals defense, the Bengals offense is projected to be the highest-scoring unit of the week. Granted, Gesicki isn't a safe fantasy option, although there is streaming potential, considering some of the league's top tight ends have already been ruled out. There could be more names added to the list heading toward lock time on Sunday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Reds, JJ Bleday Agree on Contract for 2026
The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a contract with free-agent outfielder JJ Bleday, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. Bleday is just one year removed from a strong 2024 season in which he slashed .243/.324/.437 with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, 74 runs scored, a 19.5% strikeout rate, and a 10.4% walk rate across 642 plate appearances. The 28-year-old struggled to replicate that success in 2025, posting a 26.5% strikeout rate and a 90 wRC+ over 98 games, and was optioned twice to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics. While the Reds were rumored to have interest in trading for outfielder Luis Robert Jr., it appears they've pivoted to Bleday instead. The left-handed-hitting Bleday can play all three outfield spots for Cincinnati, but he'll likely see most of his time in left field, pushing Will Benson to the bench. From a fantasy perspective, unless you're in a 15-team league or deeper, he can be ignored on draft day. That said, his power and patience could play very well at Great American Ball Park, so keep an eye on his early-season performance to see if he's worth a waiver-wire pickup.
Source: Robert Murray
Source: Robert Murray
Jaxson Dart an All or Nothing Play for Championship Weekend
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has the precise skillset needed to put up monstrous fantasy performances even if the games aren't always pretty, as evidenced by his seven-week stretch as the QB3 while going 2-5. Unfortunately, since returning from a concussion in Week 13, his usage has no longer showcased those skills, making him difficult to trust in a Week 17 matchup with the Raiders. Since his return from injury, his designed rushing yards per game have dropped from 22.6 to two. Heading into a game that could ultimately determine the number one pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders have already shut down Brock Bowers, Jeremy Chinn, and Maxx Crosby, so depending on the Giants' approach, there is a path for Dart to hit a ceiling that few players in the league are capable of. That ceiling potential must be weighed against his floor, as he is coming off his worst game of the season against Minnesota. As RotoBaller's QB13 for the week, he is best viewed as a desperation play by heavy underdogs in single quarterback leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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