X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 17 IDP Fantasy Football Rankings

Chris Gregory gives his IDP rankings and the top streamers to start along with defensive players to sit for Week 17 of the 2021 fantasy football season.

Yet another development in the NFL’s COVID drama occurred this week, with the league again changing its position on when COVID positive players are eligible to play. It is a development that looks great on paper, as both vaccinated and unvaccinated players can get back on the field faster. Still, it's also a change that will cause uncertainty for those tinkering with their championship rosters.

Now, you may be wondering, how could accelerating the availability of COVID players possibly be a problem for fantasy managers? Well, that's a fine question, and we are glad I asked it for you. To answer that brilliant pondering, we would simply tell you to think about all of the COVID losses from last week (i.e. Dalvin Cook, Mike Williams, Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, Darius Leonard, etc.), and how those losses impacted many managers. It’s important to remember that fantasy managers got very early notice that each of these players would be out last week, and managers were able to make waiver claims to cover those losses. For example, many who had Beasley and Davis knew they would be out, and that knowledge gave them the confidence to drop Beasley and add players like Justin Jackson or Isaiah McKenzie. Had there been question marks surrounding Beasley or Davis’ availability, managers may have been inclined to hang onto them and hope they played. That would’ve been a risky proposition, and it would’ve been the wrong one if it meant you missed out on Jackson.

Of course, this is a small problem in the grand scheme of things. Ultimately it is good news for fantasy managers that you can get players back faster. We simply want to warn you about the uncertainty that comes with this new timetable, and the risks you may be taking if you choose to wait on a COVID player past waivers and into Saturday evening…. And with that said, let's get to our IDP rankings, shall we?

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Top-30 Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 T.J. Watt Steelers Browns
2 Nick Bosa 49ers Texans
3 Micah Parsons Cowboys Cardinals
4 Aaron Donald Rams Ravens
5 Harold Landry III (Q) Titans Dolphins
6 Myles Garrett (Q) Browns Steelers
7 Haason Reddick (Q) Panthers Saints
8 Robert Quinn Bears Giants
9 Joey Bosa Chargers Broncos
10 Matthew Judon (Q) Patriots Jaguars
11 Leonard Floyd Rams Ravens
12 Charles Harris Lions Seahawks
13 Trey Hendrickson Bengals Chiefs
14 Alex Highsmith Steelers Browns
15 Brian Burns (Q) Panthers Saints
16 Marcus Davenport (Q) Saints Panthers
17 Cameron Heyward Steelers Browns
18 Jaelen Phillips Dolphins Titans
19 Sam Hubbard Bengals Chiefs
20 Von Miller Rams Ravens
21 Demarcus Lawrence Cowboys Cardinals
22 Jeffery Simmons Titans Dolphins
23 Chandler Jones Cardinals Cowboys
24 Josh Allen Jaguars Patriots
25 Samson Ebukam 49ers Texans
26 Andrew Van Ginkel Dolphins Titans
27 Javon Hargrave Eagles WFT
28 Montez Sweat WFT Eagles
29 Deforest Buckner Colts Raiders
30 Kyle Van Noy Patriots Jaguars
31 Randy Gregory Cowboys Cardinals
32 Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Buccaneers Jets
33 Cameron Jordan Saints Panthers
34 Darrell Taylor Seahawks Lions
35 Uchenna Nwosu Chargers Broncos
36 Rashan Gary Packers Vikings
37 Chris Wormley (Q) Steelers Browns
38 Odafe Oweh (Q) Ravens Rams
39 Arden Key 49ers Texans
40 Bradley Chubb (Q) Broncos Chargers

 

DL Streamer of the Week: Samson Ebukam, San Francisco 49ers

Let's try this again, shall we? Last week we nominated Arden Key as our Streamer of the Week because we loved his matchup against the Titans, and we liked his recent sack production. Unfortunately, our Key pick didn’t pan out, due in large part to the growing role of Samson Ebukam in San Francisco’s defensive front.

With Ebukam offering a better-rounded skillset than Key and more than twice the snaps, the former Ram has surpassed the LSU product as San Francisco’s #2 pass rusher right now. That new role couldn’t come at a better time either, as the 49ers now face a Houston Texans team that sits in the bottom-ten of the NFL in both sacks allowed and Adjusted Sack Rate this season. That matchup and Ebukam’s recent trends should combine for a high-end DL3 fantasy week.

Another Underrated Matchup for Thursday: As we mentioned in our IDP Waivers column this week, we like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s playing time to increase with Shaquil Barrett out. The Jets are a plus matchup for edge rushers too, so the rookie from Washington is a worthwhile flier in deeper formats.

 

DL Fade of the Week: Baltimore Ravens Pass Rushers

Last week the Ravens faced the third-worst offensive line in the NFL, in terms of Adjusted Sack Rate. Opponents had been knocking Joe Burrow around with ease for weeks, and yet the Ravens couldn’t seem to lay a hand on the second-year passer. Instead, Burrow stayed clean and picked Baltimore apart on the way to setting a team record for passing yards.

This week, Baltimore faces a far better blocking unit than the one in Cincinnati. The Rams have allowed the third-fewest sacks in the league, in fact. If Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser couldn’t beat up on a weak Bengals offensive line, why should we expect them to do any better against a good one?

 

Top-30 Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Roquan Smith Bears Giants
2 Denzel Perryman (Q) Raiders Colts
3 Darius Leonard (Q) Colts Raiders
4 Foyesade Oluokun Falcons Bills
5 De’Vondre Campbell Packers Vikings
6 Bobby Wagner Seahawks Lions
7 T.J. Edwards Eagles WFT
8 Jordyn Brooks Seahawks Lions
9 Devin White Buccaneers Jets
10 C.J. Mosley Jets Buccaneers
11 Eric Kendricks Vikings Packers
12 Cole Holcomb WFT Eagles
13 Deion Jones Falcons Bills
14 Fred Warner 49ers Texans
15 Quincy Williams Jets Buccaneers
16 T.J. Watt Steelers Browns
17 Micah Parsons Cowboys Cardinals
18 Troy Reeder Rams Ravens
19 Shaq Thompson Panthers Saints
20 Kamu Grugier-Hill (Q) Texans 49ers
21 Bobby Okereke Colts Raiders
22 Alex Singleton Eagles WFT
23 Joe Schobert Steelers Browns
24 Kyzir White Chargers Broncos
25 Jordan Hicks Cardinals Cowboys
26 Logan Wilson (Q) Bengals Chiefs
27 Zach Cunningham Titans Dolphins
28 Tae Crowder Giants Bears
29 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Browns Steelers
30 Matt Milano Bills Falcons
31 Demario Davis Saints Panthers
32 Tremaine Edmunds Bills Falcons
33 Baron Browning Broncos Chargers
34 Isaiah Simmons Cardinals Cowboys
35 Jerome Baker Dolphins Titans
36 Kevin Minter Buccaneers Jets
37 Anthony Walker Jr. Browns Steelers
38 Germaine Pratt (Q) Bengals Chiefs
39 Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Q) Lions Seahawks
40 Patrick Queen Ravens Rams

 

LB Streamer of the Week: Kevin Minter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Lavonte David on IR and Shaquil Barrett out with a knee sprain, the Buccaneers have to dig deep into their linebacker rotation this week. Minter appeared to be one of the answers to this issue last week when he played 70% of the team's snaps while logging five tackles and a sack. That type of playing time and production should come again against the Jets.

The Jets showed a renewed interest in their ground game in Week 16, running the ball 36 times against the Jaguars. While that game script may not be possible against the Bucs, Zach Wilson and company will pepper the short-middle field with lots of screens and slot targets when they have to throw. It also helps that Wilson is scrambling more now than he did earlier in the season, allowing Minter and the Bucs’ pass rushers more chances at a sack.

 

LB Fade of the Week: Cincinnati Bengals Linebackers

This week’s nitpicking will be aimed at the Cincinnati Bengals’ LB corps, largely because that group is the definition of uncertainty going into Week 17. The first concern you have to have is Cincy’s opponent, an efficient Chiefs offense that may be without its starting running back. There shouldn’t be many opportunities for turnovers in this one, and the tackle volume could be low.

Beyond the Bengals’ opponent, you have to worry about who will be starting in this unit and what kind of snap rates you'll get from them. Logan Wilson is being called doubtful by some beat writers, while Coach Zac Taylor said he was "a little more optimistic" than last week that Wilson will play. That is slight praise when you consider Wilson didn't actually play last week… but you do have to like Wilson logging a full practice on Wednesday.

Of additional concern is the uncertainty surrounding Wilson's replacement, Germaine Pratt. The interim linebacker was placed on the COVID list today, giving him a short window to clear COVID protocols before Sunday. You can't feel great starting Pratt when you don't know if he will play or if Wilson will dig into his fantasy opportunities.

With the uncertainty surrounding the health of Pratt and Wilson, you have to be worried about this entire Bengals unit going against the Chiefs. Pratt and Wilson are green-dot signal-callers, and there's a strong possibility neither will be at full strength if they play on Sunday. There’s also the distinct possibility that neither of these ‘backers sees a full snap share given their ailments, which further compromises their fantasy floor. Be very careful if you’re counting on them in your playoff matchups.

 

 

Top-30 Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Derwin James Jr. (Q) Chargers Broncos
2 Logan Ryan Giants Bears
3 Harrison Smith Vikings Packers
4 Jordan Poyer Bills Falcons
5 Minkah Fitzpatrick Steelers Browns
6 Jeremy Chinn Panthers Saints
7 Vonn Bell Bengals Chiefs
8 Khari Willis (Q) Colts Raiders
9 Antoine Winfield Jr. (Q) Buccaneers Jets
10 Jayron Kearse Cowboys Cardinals
11 Kevin Byard Titans Dolphins
12 Kenny Moore II Colts Raiders
13 Jalen Thompson Cardinals Cowboys
14 Kamren Curl WFT Eagles
15 Jevon Holland Dolphins Titans
16 Budda Baker (Q) Cardinals Cowboys
17 Justin Simmons Broncos Chargers
18 Kyle Dugger Patriots Jaguars
19 Xavier Woods Vikings Packers
20 Jalen Ramsey Rams Ravens
21 Trevon Diggs Cowboys Cardinals
22 Tracy Walker Lions Seahawks
23 Jordan Fuller Rams Ravens
24 Jessie Bates III Bengals Chiefs
25 L’Jarius Sneed Chiefs Bengals
26 Brandon Jones Dolphins Titans
27 Chidobe Awuzie Bengals Chiefs
28 A.J. Terrell Falcons Bills
29 Jordan Whitehead Buccaneers Jets
30 Rasul Douglas Packers Vikings
31 Terrell Edmunds Steelers Browns
32 J.C. Jackson (Q) Patriots Jaguars
33 Bryce Hall (Q) Jets Buccaneers
34 Taylor Rapp Rams Ravens
35 Quandre Diggs Seahawks Lions
36 Marshon Lattimore Saints Panthers
37 Xavier McKinney Giants Bears
38 Andrew Wingard Jaguars Patriots
39 Ronnie Harrison (Q) Browns Steelers
40 Taron Johnson Bills Falcons

 

DB Streamer of the Week: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints

Lattimore has shadowed six times this season. While it’s true Carolina wasn’t one of those six teams, it’s likely they would have been on the list had Lattimore played in the Saints’ first matchup with the Panthers.

Considering the lack of other weapons on Carolina’s offense, it would stand to reason that New Orleans will use Lattimore to shadow D.J. Moore this week. That kind of shadow role could render DB3 production or better, considering Moore has averaged a healthy 9.9 targets per game with Darnold under center.

 

DB Fade of the Week: Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Elijah Moore and Corey Davis on IR, there is no clear target for Davis to shadow in this matchup. If Davis were to follow anyone it would be Braxton Berrios, who spends half his time in the slot. Davis doesn’t follow to the slot, however. The former Auburn Tiger has spent less than 5% of his snaps inside this season.

What’s worse, the possible absence of Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr. could make it exceedingly easy for Zach Wilson to avoid Davis this week. That lack of secondary depth could also make things hard on a Bucs front seven that is missing Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett. If the Bucs struggle to get after Wilson, the potential for interceptions will drop accordingly. Altogether, this is not a high-upside or a high-volume matchup for an outside corner like Davis.



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!

More Weekly Lineup Prep


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Denny Hamlin

Picking Up Where He Left Off At Darlington
Kyle Larson

The Sky Is The Limit for Kyle Larson at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

a Strong DFS Play at Darlington This Weekend
Tyler Reddick

Shouldn't Be Overlooked at Darlington This Weekend
Alex Bowman

An Easy Place Differential Play in DFS This Weekend
Ty Gibbs

Could Be Strong at Darlington This Weekend
Erik Jones

Has Best Darlington Qualifying Effort Since Last Win
Zane Smith

Hopeful For Another Solid Run At Darlington
AJ Allmendinger

Still Seeking First Top 10 at Darlington
Chase Elliott

Likely Won't Factor for Win, but Should Gain Many Positions
Joey Logano

Might Focus More on Playoff Races Since He Scored Few Playoff Points
Chris Buescher

Missing Playoffs Allows Chris Buescher to Potentially Go All Out at Darlington
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Austin Dillon

Earned Best Qualifying Result at Darlington
Kyle Busch

Downturn in Speed This Year Makes Him a Worse DFS Option Than He Looks
Carson Hocevar

Should Run Better at Darlington Than the Numbers Predict
Ryan Preece

a Low-key Strong DFS Option at Darlington After His Speed in the Spring
Michael McDowell

Although Michael McDowell Improved at Darlington in the Next Gen Era, Don't Expect Much Tomorrow
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Struggled at Darlington Even in His Better Seasons
Riley Herbst

Despite 23XI Racing's Darlington Speed, Riley Herbst Will Likely Run Terribly
Cody Ware

Attrition Too Unlikely for Cody Ware to Score Place Differential Points at Darlington
Aroldis Chapman

Agrees to Contract Extension
Nick Kurtz

Avoids Serious Injury
MacKenzie Gore

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Reaches 25-Homer, 25-Steal Milestone
Chris Sale

Activated on Saturday
Dansby Swanson

Homers Twice, Drives in Six in Win
Nick Kurtz

Leaves Game With Oblique Soreness
Joe Burrow

Bengals Feel Joe Burrow Just had "the Best Training Camp of his Career"
Randy Rodríguez

Tommy John Surgery Recommended for Randy Rodriguez
Corey Seager

Placed on Injured List
Jackson Chourio

to Return From Injured List on Saturday
Jordan Lawlar

Diamondbacks Set to Promote Jordan Lawlar
Dallas Mavericks

Olivier-Maxence Prosper Waived by the Mavs
Lauri Markkanen

Dominant in Win Over Great Britain
Xander Bogaerts

Suffers Foot Fracture, Set to Hit Injured List
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Leads Serbia to a Win
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Shines Versus Portugal
De'Von Achane

Should be Ready for Week 1
Jose Alvarado

"Good" After Recent Fall
Alec Burleson

Lands on Injured List With Wrist Inflammation
Emmanuel Clase

Luis L. Ortiz to Remain On Leave for Rest of Season
Kyle Schwarber

has Historic Performance in Rout of Braves
Boston Red Sox

Payton Tolle Expected to Make Debut on Friday
Green Bay Packers

Packers Acquire Micah Parsons, Sign him to Four-Year Extension
Jauan Jennings

Remains Sidelined at Practice
Corey Seager

Undergoing Appendectomy on Thursday
Chris Godwin

to Miss First Month of Season, Possibly More
Quinshon Judkins

Not Considering Return to College
A.J. Brown

Returns to Practice, Expected to Play in Week 1
Jaylen Wright

Undergoes Surgery, Could be Back "Septemberish"
Tyreek Hill

on Track to Play in Week 1
Kyren Williams

to See Reduced Workload?
Jayden Reed

Dealing with Jones Fracture in Left Foot
Lauri Markkanen

Torches Sweden
Neemias Queta

Dominates in EuroBasket Opener
Kawhi Leonard

Clippers Not Allowing Kawhi Leonard to Play Back-to-Backs
Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks Looking to Trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Tyrese Haliburton

Expects to Return in 15 Months
Malik Nabers

Expected to be Full-Go for Week 1
Freddie Freeman

Out Wednesday With Neck Stinger
Alejandro Kirk

Avoids Major Injury, Remains Out on Wednesday
Travis Hunter

Back at Practice, Will be Ready for Week 1
Luis Robert Jr.

Could Miss the Rest of the Season
De'Von Achane

Not Practicing on Wednesday
Trevor Megill

Brewers Place Trevor Megill on Injured List With Flexor Strain
Rashee Rice

Accepting Six-Game Suspension to Begin the Year
Kyle Hamilton

Ravens, Kyle Hamilton Finalizing Four-Year Extension
Rashee Rice

NFL Aiming to Place Six-Game Suspension on Rashee Rice
De'Von Achane

Dolphins GM Says De'Von Achane Will be Ready for Week 1
Joe Mixon

Texans GM: "We'll See" if Joe Mixon Plays in 2025
Adam Thielen

Traded to the Vikings
Terance Mann

Confident About Having a Big Year in Brooklyn
Zaccharie Risacher

Aims to Improve Ball-Handling Skills
NBA

Pistons And Timberwolves Join Race for Malik Beasley
John Tonje

Signs Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Max Strus

to Miss 3-4 Months After Surgery
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Still Expect Micah Parsons to Play in Week 1
Nikola Jović

Heat Have High Hopes for Nikola Jovic
Golden State Warriors

Cody Martin Drawing Interest From Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves Interested in Reunion With Bones Hyland
Kylor Kelley

Joins Lakers
Colin Castleton

Links Up With Magic
Malik Monk

Kings "Not Actively Engaged" in Trade Discussions Involving Malik Monk
NHL

Jan Rutta Lands in Switzerland
Kirby Dach

Skates on Monday
COL

Tyson Barrie Retires From NHL
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Johnny Walker

Gets Back In The Win Column
Brian Ortega

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Aljamain Sterling

Proves Too Much For Brian Ortega
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Wins Decision At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Drops Decision At UFC Shanghai
Sumudaerji

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Still Winless In The UFC
Taiyilake Nueraji

Gets His First UFC Win

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP