It’s the official last week of Fantasy Football. I know, I’m all out of tissues over here, too. There are a few still battling, and the week 17 cupboard of fantasy studs looks more bare than my actual cupboard after holiday cooking. Don’t you worry, though, GetSportsInfo.com has you covered, right here.
QUARTERBACK
Stud: Ben Roethlisberger – Seriously, guys (and gals) he is the best play at QB this week. In his last two games at Heinz Field against the Bengals, Roethlisberger has tossed 483 yards and five touchdowns. The Bengals are depleted and looking for the season to just end. Some may point to a feeling of “nothing to lose” and a mentality that they’ll “steal one” from their hated rival…as much as I’d like that, it ain’t happening. Roethlisberger feasts in this one.
Dud: Andrew Luck – Over the last four weeks, only one team has allowed fewer average fantasy points per game to opposing QBs than the Tennessee Titans. At 12.4 points per game, even Luck has cause for concern. Signs are pointing to his number one, T.Y. Hilton, being on the field, but even then, this is a win-and-you’re-in game. The Titans defense will be ready for Luck. I do not see big numbers from him in this game.
Sleeper: Josh Allen – I’ve been all about the kid’s hype, the later we get into the season, so I’ve got him back in the column for the final go of it. Miami is allowing 23.2 fantasy points per game, over the last month, to opposing QBs. Meanwhile, Allen has averaged 19.5 points per game, during that span. The rook wants to go into the offseason with some momentum, and he has the kind of matchup to do so, so slot him in your starting lineup.
RUNNING BACK
Stud: Adrian Peterson – No, I’m not turning the clock back on this. The Eagles are allowing an average of 28 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, for the last month. Peterson was a touchdown away from finishing inside the top-10 scorers at running back, last week. With Josh Johnson and his 23 pass attempts from a week ago still under center, the Skins will rely heavily on the oft-used legs of Peterson to carry them into the offseason, and he will flourish because of it.
Dud: The New England Backfield – No team has allowed fewer fantasy points in the last month to opposing backs than the Jets. However, no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing QBs and wideouts than the Jets. With posturing still to be had, New England will be looking to exploit the main weakness and employ Tom Brady and his band of receivers to keep the ball moving down the field. Steer clear of Patriots running backs, this week.
Sleeper: Damien Williams – He’s listed in the top-10, so this isn’t a super stretch, but I think he has the potential to put up a top-5 week. He’s already done it two weeks in a row, and he’s put together 55.3 points in the last two games. They’ve given him the ball in the running game and the passing game, making him the replacement for Kareem Hunt, and he has taken it and ran with it…..ok, pun intended. Dude’s going to be the reason you win the last game of the season, should you choose to start him.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Julian Edelman – I am doubling down on this “New England will pass the ball” idea. I’ll reiterate for the people in the back, no one has allowed more fantasy points to opposing wideouts, over the last month, than the Jets. Brady targeted Rob Gronkowski a total of three times last week. Edelman is his favorite target, folks, and will reel in the fantasy points for your team.
Dud: Michael Thomas – He’s not in the top-10, and for good reason. Last time the Saints and Panthers faced off, he got nine targets (okay) for an average of just over five yards per target (not okay). Carolina exploited a hole in the New Orleans offense, in their last matchup, and I expect another low-scoring affair, to wrap up their regular season.
Sleeper: Robert Foster – Miami is allowing 37.4 fantasy points per game to opposing WRs, over their last four, and Xavien Howard wither won’t play, or will be too preoccupied with Zay Jones. Nice pinup here to fill in the void left by OBJ or other inactives.
TIGHT END
Stud: Traivs Kelce – Seriously, at this point in the season, it’s between him and Ertz and Kelce has the better matchup.
Dud: Trey Burton – Minnesota gives up four points a game to tight ends over the last month. Also, this will be a lean on em, sit on em, get a lead and bleed the clock game for Chicago.
Sleeper: David Njoku – He’s not in the top-10 now, but he’ll finish the week there. Baltimore is giving up 13 fantasy points a game to opposing tight ends, for the last month, and Cleveland will be passing to stay alive in this one.
DEFENSE
Stud: Houston Texans – A great strategy, for the last handful of weeks, has been to start the defense that is facing the Jaguars. You have to go back to week 10 as the last time a defense did not finish in the top-10 playing against Jacksonville. Set and forget with this one.
Dud: Miami Dolphins – Miami has done something once in their last six games that gets the dud tag, for me. That is, they have finished in the top-10 once in the last six games, and that was against Jacksonville (see previous note). They aren’t a good fantasy defense.
Sleeper: Pittsburgh Steelers – This is all about the matchup mixed with urgency. The Steelers need to win and then get some help to get to the playoffs. They will not be looking past a depleted Bengals team with 18 players on IR. Last week, Cincinnati didn’t put together a scoring drive until the fourth quarter against Cleveland. This could be a top-3 defense in week 17.
*Your fantasy season doesn’t have to end just yet, play in the GSI PLAYOFF FANTASY CHALLENGE.
