Most fantasy championships are in the books, but other leagues are still playing things out in the final day of NFL regular-season action. Before making those final decisions are sure to check out our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 17 of the 2017 season.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Philip Rivers – The Chargers are fighting for their playoff lives against the Raiders this week. Rivers is poised for a big day, going up against a defense allowing the ninth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Dud: Andy Dalton – Dalton hasn’t thrown for 250 yards in five-straight games. He’s going up against a Ravens defense that forced five turnovers in their first matchup. The Bengals’ offense has struggled all season. Stay away from Dalton this week.
Sleeper: Jacoby Brissett – He hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 13 and gets a defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season. Brissett is a safe option if you need him in Week 17.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Kenyan Drake – Drake has at least 57 rushing yards over the past month. The Dolphins will lean on him and Buffalo has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. He’s a high-end RB2.
Dud: Theo Riddick – Riddick has a decent matchup against the Packers, but the Lions’ rushing attack is dreadful. There’s no reason to have Riddick in your lineup with your season on the line. He has 65 rushing yards total over the past two games.
Sleeper: Derrick Henry – Henry could finish the season strong with DeMarco Murray out with a knee injury. Murray said he may play through it, but Henry should be the primary back in a must-win situation against Jacksonville.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud: Michael Thomas – Thomas is my number one wide receiver this week. The Tampa Bay defense has been a little better recently, but Drew Brees should be able to find Thomas for a touchdown this week. He has three touchdown receptions in his last four games.
Dud: Keenan Allen – Allen hasn’t scored a touchdown in three-straight games. Oakland has had success against number one wide receivers. I think Rivers has a big day, but Allen may not be on the receiving end of it.
Sleeper: Ted Ginn – Ginn had a 54-yard touchdown reception last week. The Saints could air it out against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. If they do, Ginn could break free for another long touchdown.
TIGHT END
Stud: Antonio Gates – Oakland has struggled against opposing tight ends all season. Rivers trusts Gates and leaned on him last week. He’s a TE1 with Hunter Henry out for the season.
Dud: Eric Ebron – Ebron’s scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. That streak will come to an end this week against the Packers. He’s a TE1, but Ebron is hard to trust with so much on the line. I’m avoiding him in Week 17.
Sleeper: Jesse James – The Steelers should get James involved this week. Cleveland is allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. James is a TE2, but has plenty of touchdown dependent upside.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: New England – The Patriots still have to wrap up the number one seed, so they’ll play their starters this week. They’re my top fantasy defense for Week 17, with a great matchup at home against the Jets.
Dud: Houston – The Texans may be tempting to plug in, but I’m avoiding them in Week 17. The Colts haven’t turned the ball over as much in recent weeks and they should be able to move the ball against Houston.
Sleeper: Washington – The Redskins have a great matchup against the Giants this week. New York is allowing the 13th most fantasy points to defenses this season.
