Aaron Rodgers Should Be Avoided in Week 17
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) is listed on the team's injury report but practiced in full all week and does not carry an injury designation ahead of a Week 17 divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Still, his status as the starter will be worth monitoring. The Green Bay Packers are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and if the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title before Sunday's contest kicks off. In that scenario, the Steelers could opt to start Mason Rudolph and rest Rodgers ahead of the playoffs. If Rodgers does play, he could struggle to provide fantasy value on the road against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, he will be without his top wide receiver, as DK Metcalf begins a two-game suspension following an altercation with a fan in Week 16. Desperate fantasy managers could view Rodgers as a low-end QB2 if he starts, but this situation is best avoided if possible.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson a Late-Season Riser in Rookie Season
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson continues to trend upward in the team's offense. ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop wrote about 36 rookies who have learned valuable lessons in their first season, and she identified Ferguson early in the article as one of this season's top risers. He has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks, and he had the best game of his young career in Week 16 with three catches, 33 yards, and one touchdown. Ferguson has emerged with Tyler Higbee (ankle) sidelined, as he finds himself in a complementary role alongside Colby Parkinson. While Parkinson has been more productive from a fantasy perspective, Ferguson has also carved out a decent role in Los Angeles' high-powered offense. He's a solid dynasty stash but not a dependable fantasy option for Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: Sarah Barshop
Source: Sarah Barshop
Drake London Remains Limited with Knee Injury on Friday
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been limited for two consecutive days as the Falcons continue to prepare for Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. London is dealing with the same knee injury that sidelined him for four games across November and December. However, he played through the ailment last week, catching three of eight targets for 27 yards on a 69% snap share. Therefore, barring any sort of setback, he has a good chance to play on Monday night. He'll likely see a similar or slightly larger workload. As it stands, London ranks as RotoBaller's WR13 for Week 17. Managers should check back on Saturday afternoon when the Falcons announce whether London carries a "questionable" injury designation into the contest.
Source: Josh Kendall
Source: Josh Kendall
Kyle Pitts Sr. Added to Injury Report, Limited on Friday
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. He'll have one opportunity to return to full capacity on Saturday before the Falcons announce Pitts' game status for Week 17. The Falcons play against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. This timing presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers. On one hand, Pitts has been a top tight end in fantasy football, scoring at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of his last four games. On the other hand, if he is ruled out on Monday night, managers will have very few replacement options. Managers shouldn't panic yet, as Pitts could get back on track and avoid any sort of injury designation on Saturday. However, if he enters the weekend as questionable, managers should consider pivoting to a different tight end or at least adding one who plays on Monday night, like Colby Parkinson or Charlie Woerner. Managers in leagues with the auto-sub option could also consider taking advantage of that feature ahead of the weekend games. Pitts will rank as a mid-to-high TE1 if active.
Source: Josh Kendall
Source: Josh Kendall
Seahawks D/ST a Solid Option in Week 17
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST continues to be a dominant unit in 2025. They draw a matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Carolina's offense has been highly inconsistent this season. They will go from scoring 30 points in one week to half as many in the next. The success of the Seahawks D/ST will depend heavily on which version of the Panthers' offense shows up this week. If anything, the Seahawks D/ST should be able to limit the Panthers' yardage and scoring output, giving the unit a solid floor in fantasy. Carolina has thrown for less than 200 passing yards in 12 games this season. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has done well to protect the ball this season, but Seattle has a chance to force him into a couple of turnovers. Additionally, Seattle should be able to record a handful of sacks with their talented defensive front. The Panthers are not the D/ST matchup that we have come to love in fantasy in recent years, but given the talent of Seattle's defense, this should be a good matchup for the team.
Source: Brady Henderson
Source: Brady Henderson
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Should Continue to Dominate in Week 17
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to dominate once again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has a solid passing defense, but JSN has proven to be matchup-proof time and again this season. Smith-Njigba's target share is simply too large for him to bust in most games. Additionally, the Seahawks move him all over the field and scheme plenty of looks for the third-year pro. Although Carolina has a talented secondary, it will be difficult for them to keep track of JSN at all times. This is a must-win game for both teams. There is a path for Carolina to clinch its division this week, and the Seahawks need this win to vie for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As such, this could be a higher-scoring game than many may expect. If Carolina's offense can put some pressure on Seattle's defense, it will only serve to boost Smith-Njigba's targets if Seattle needs to continually air the ball out. Start JSN as your anchor during championship week and do not look back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jason Myers Looks to Bounce Back after Quiet Week
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers should get back to his borderline double-digit ways in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Myers scored just two fantasy points in Week 16 with the Seahawks relying heavily on two-point conversions as they clawed their way back into their game against the Rams. However, prior to Week 16, Myers had scored at least 13 fantasy points in six straight games. He has been automatic on PATs and long field goals, which have anchored his fantasy production. Carolina boasts a solid defense, but it is nothing the Seahawks' offense cannot handle. Seattle should find itself in scoring position for most of the day. Additionally, with Carolina's defense playing solidly, it could force Seattle into more field goals than touchdowns, further boosting Myers' value. Look for Myers to potentially deliver double-digit fantasy points in Week 17. He is a great addition to your championship lineup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenneth Walker III a Potential Starting Option in Great Matchup
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is in a great position to exploit a weak Carolina Panthers' rushing defense in Week 17. Carolina's defense has improved overall this year, but the rushing defense remains a problem. The Panthers are 25th against opposing running backs in fantasy. Additionally, Carolina is allowing 4.76 yards per carry to opposing running backs. This matchup is the remedy needed for a struggling Seahawks' rushing game. It could allow Walker to build on his best performance of the season in Week 16 when he scored 25.40 fantasy points against a tough Rams defense. Walker's volume is going to remain in the 12 to 15-touch range, but his potential for a big play will be high in Week 17. He is still a flex consideration considering his low floor, but Walker has RB1 upside this week. If you are a heavy underdog in your matchup, Walker could provide the upside you need to balance the playing field.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet a Good Bet to Score in Week 17
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet draws a great matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. The Panthers are No. 25 against opposing running backs in fantasy, and Charbonnet's role as the goal line running back should allow him to have a crack at the end zone against this vulnerable defense. Charbonnet's nine touchdowns this season have propelled him to a flex-worthy season. When he scores, he generally has a solid day for fantasy. His efficiency has been low all season, but in good matchups, he is generally able to rack up a respectable amount of yards. Look for the Seahawks' offense to have success against this defense all day. Charbonnet would be a risky play, as you are betting on a touchdown. However, if Charbonnet is going to score in any week, it would be in this matchup with the Panthers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed a Risky Play Amidst Unfavorable Matchup
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is a risky play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Shaheed has come alive over the last three weeks, posting no less than 67 receiving yards or a touchdown in any given week. However, he only earned one target in Week 16, and most of his points came from a punt return for a touchdown. Shaheed should earn more than one target in Week 17, but the Panthers have a solid secondary that has given opposing passing games fits this season. Shaheed's role in the offense is evolving into more of the downfield role he held in New Orleans. As such, he is always a threat for a bomb touchdown reception. On the other hand, the Seahawks have shown that in unfavorable matchups, their only reliable wide receiver is generally Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If you need upside for a big play, Shaheed is your guy, but proceed with caution for championship week because he is always a threat to sink your week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Barner a Starting Option in Week 17
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (elbow) is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week. It is worth noting that Barner has been dealing with an elbow injury this week, but he has been a full participant in practice all week, and does not appear to be in danger of missing the game.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Bech Limited with Back Injury, Questionable for Week 17
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (back) was added to the injury report on Friday after practicing in a limited capacity. He is officially listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Giants. Vegas' receiving corps is short-staffed with Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, so Bech could be in line for more targets if he suits up. With that being said, he's still a risky fantasy option given his underwhelming performance as a rookie this year. The TCU product has played at least 81% of the snaps in two of his last three games, but he has a modest 10 catches during that span, and just 20 catches through 15 games this season. He still hasn't scored his first career touchdown, either. As it currently stands, Bech is the overall WR67 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for Week 17.
Source: Paul Gutierrez
Source: Paul Gutierrez
Ricky Pearsall Questionable After Limited Practice
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged another limited practice on Friday. He is officially questionable to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17. Pearsall is working his way back after missing last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Given his practice participation and game status, it sounds like he could be a true game-time decision this week. His six-catch, 96-yard performance from Week 15 makes him a tempting starter, but the timing of kickoff is risky. 28 of 32 teams will have played by Sunday night, leaving managers with fewer replacement options if he's ruled out. Managers who do feel compelled to start Pearsall as a flex could pivot to someone like Kyle Monangai, Blake Corum, or Luther Burden III if he doesn't play.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Source: San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle Questionable to Face the Bears in Week 17
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) did not practice on Friday, and he's officially listed as questionable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. The team expects Kittle to be a game-time decision, but the fact that he missed all three practices this week is very discouraging. Nevertheless, the door remains open for him to play. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the 49ers play on Sunday Night Football, which means we won't get confirmation on his status until 28 of the 32 teams have played. If he's ruled out, fantasy managers will have trouble finding a last-minute replacement. With that said, his high upside may be worth the risk in some formats. Managers planning to roll the dice with Kittle should also add his backup, Jake Tonges, in case he's ruled out. Kittle, who is averaging the second-most fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, would rank as a high-end TE1 if active.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Source: San Francisco 49ers
A.J. Brown Cleared to Suit Up in Week 17
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (teeth) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Brown missed the first two days of practice this week due to a dental procedure. He was able to practice in full on Friday, which was enough to clear him for Week 17. Brown has been cruising lately, with 95 receiving yards or more in four of his last five games. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Bills' defense this weekend, a unit that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, though, and need to keep Brown locked into all starting lineups in a game with shootout potential.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
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