Week 17 Start'em/Sit'em Fantasy Championship
This is the Fantasy Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FN. Rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.
Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Jonathan Taylor, Travis Kelce, or Davante Adams. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.
It's Championship Week!
Start 'em Joe Burrow (CIN, QB)Joe Burrow lit up the Ravens last week to the tune of 525 yards and 4 touchdowns. No that's not a typo. In his last four weeks, Burrow has thrown for at least 300 yards in three of those games. Now he'll get a chance to make it four of five games against a very generous Kansas City secondary.
Start 'em Matthew Stafford (LAR, QB)For three quarters of last week's game against the Vikings, HOF QB Brett Favre had more fantasy points than Matthew Stafford. Stafford looked awful and finished the day with his worst performance of the season (6.7 pts). If he didn't sink your matchup, he's a solid play in the Championship against the Ravens who made Joe Burrow look like Superman last week.
Start 'em Russell Wilson (SEA, QB)Let's face it. Russ hasn't been very dangerous lately failing to surpass more than 181 yards the last two games. Still, he's a viable play this week against the Lions who look decent on paper but can be taken advantage of. Wilson at home should be a low-end QB1 this week.
Start 'em Darrel Williams (KC, RB)Ranked 21st this week is Darrel Williams largely because we don't anticipate much (if any) work from Clyde Edwards-Helaire who injured his collarbone last week. Williams has been serviceable in CEH's absence before and could be once again. Williams should make for a nice low-end RB2/high-end FLEX option in Week 17.
Start 'em Ronald Jones (TB, RB)RoJo has the volume right now to keep him fantasy relevant. With Leonard Fournette out, Jones carried the ball 20 times and found the endzone against Carolina last week. Combine that volume with both a positive game script and a solid matchup against the Jets and RoJo could lead you to a championship.
Start 'em Devin Singletary (BUF, RB)There has been nothing exciting about the Bills backfield for months...until the past two games where Devin Singletary has started to come on strong with back-to-back touchdowns. He'll get a fantastic matchup this week against the Falcons, and assuming the Bills run up the score, it will be plenty of handoffs to Singletary to finish the week.
Start 'em Antonio Brown (TB, WR)We had AB on our Start list last week and he delivered 20 fantasy points after missing the previous nine games. His 15 targets led the team, and with Godwin out and Evans on the COVID list, he may still have enough volume in a tough matchup to help you win this week.
Start 'em Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET, WR)Make no mistake - this is a tough matchup, but Amon-Ra St. Brown is coming through at the right time for fantasy owners. He's averaged 11.5 targets per game over the last month and has made three trips to the endzone over that span. Continue to ride the hot hand here. Goff will find a way to get him the ball, and the volume should help St. Brown produce a solid fantasy day.
Start 'em Brandin Cooks (HOU, WR)Cooks missed last week due to COVID, but he should return this week in a plus matchup against the Niners. With Davis Mills under center, Cooks figures to maintain his solid target share percentage. The Niners had no answer to AJ Brown last week, and while Cooks isn't Brown, the Texans will target him just as much.
Start 'em Dallas Goedert (PHI, TE)Ranked 5th this week is Dallas Goedert. Fantasy owners enjoyed 20+ points in back-to-back games before getting let down last week (4.8 pts). We anticipate Goedert to rebound nicely this week, however. Dalton Schultz put up 22 points against Washington last week, and Goedert put up 20 points the week prior. This is a great matchup for fantasy owners.
Start 'em Zach Ertz (ARI, TE)Ertz was Kyler Murray's favorite target last week. In fact, he's seen an average of 10 targets over the last three games. That kind of volume from the tight end position is incredible and keeps Ertz in the TE1 range against a Dallas defense that has largely kept tight ends in check.
Start 'em New Orleans Saints (NO, DEF)There's not much to get excited about the Panthers offense...unless you have the Saints defense. This Top 10 unit gets to face Carolina in the fantasy championship, and given that the Panthers surrender the 2nd-most fantasy points to the position, the Saints should go marching in.
Start 'em Chicago Bears (CHI, DEF)The Bears may not have been the stellar defensive unit that many thought they would be, but in the right matchup, they can still deliver a solid fantasy day. That could happen in Week 17 as they face the Giants with a depleted receiving corp, lackluster run game, and either Jake Fromm or Mike Glennon under center.
Start 'em Nick Folk (NE, K)Nick Folk has been solid this year. In fact, he's the #1 fantasy kicker this season. Let the good times roll against the Jaguars who are giving up the 3rd-most fantasy points to kickers on the year.
Sit 'em Tua Tagovailoa (MIA, QB)Hopefully injuries and COVID lists don't force you to consider starting Tua Tagovailoa. Over the past two months, Tua hasn't delivered a single 20 pt game. In fact, he's averaging a paltry 13.7 pts on the season. There's no reason to believe that he'll suddenly turn things around against a Titans defense that has kept QBs under 14 points the last three weeks.
Sit 'em Matt Ryan (ATL, QB)Even in positively choice matchups, Matt Ryan has failed to deliver. He can't be counted on this week even in Superflex formats. Nobody gives up fewer fantasy points to quarterbacks than the Bills, and Matty Ice has been ice cold in the stat sheets.
Sit 'em Ryan Tannehill (TEN, QB)Even with both of his top wide receivers back last week, Tannehill put up pedestrian numbers. Like Tua above, Tannehill hasn't delivered a single 20 pt game in over two months. He's been awful, but at least he's been consistently awful. Tannehill doesn't belong near your lineup for the Championship.
Sit 'em Chuba Hubbard (CAR, RB)We had Chuba on our Sit list last week, but even we didn't expect a 0.9 pt fantasy day. That was against a very tough Tampa front, so why would we expect anything productive when he faces the Saints who have surrendered the fewest fantasy points to running backs...all year? There is no run game anymore in Carolina. Hubbard can be safely left on the bench or dropped completely.
Sit 'em Rhamondre Stevenson (NE, RB)Rhamondre Stevenson missed last week's game against the Bills due to COVID, but he's expected back this week. Stevenson's upside is limited with Damien Harris back, healthy, and fresh off a 103-yard, 3-touchdown performance. Stevenson is nothing more than a low-end Flex option for Week 17.
Sit 'em Dare Ogunbowale (JAC, RB)When James Robinson went down with an Achilles tear, Dare Ogunbowale stepped up rushing 17 times for 57 yards and a score (his first in two years). That was in a plus matchup with the Jets. This week the competition is a little stronger as the Jaguars head to Foxborough. He was one of the top pickups in our waiver wire rankings this week, but shouldn't be viewed as anything but a Flex option.
Sit 'em Terry McLaurin (WAS, WR)It all starts with the quarterback, and the QB situation in Washington has been ugly. Early reports indicate that both Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen will play this week. Unfortunately, this has impacted Terry McLaurin who hasn't had more than 9 fantasy points in six weeks. In fact, he had just 7 points against the Eagles when he played them two weeks ago. F1 McLaurin always has the potential to go off, but viewing him as anything more than a WR3 in this one is being hopeful.
Sit 'em Kadarius Toney (NYG, WR)After missing four games, Kadarius Toney returned last week and disappointed fantasy owners once again. Targeted a solid nine times, he managed to haul in just four of those targets for a paltry 28 yards. The potential is there, but poor quarterback play isn't helping Toney here. With just one big game to his credit this season, the odds of Toney leading you to a Championship are slim to none, and as my grandfather would say, "Slim" just left.
UPDATE: Kadarius Toney has been ruled OUT for Week 17.
Sit 'em Russell Gage (ATL, WR)Russell Gage's 5.9 fantasy points last week didn't help many fantasy owners advance to the Championship, and while he's likely to outperform his Week 16 numbers, he's a risky play against a Bills defense that has basically shut out every wide receiver in the second half of this season. The only saving grace here is the likely game script which is sure to see the Falcons playing from behind. Hopefully some garbage-time points can come our way.
Sit 'em Jared Cook (LAC, TE)In the past two months, Jared Cook has managed to reach double-digit fantasy points twice (and just barely). One of those games was against the Broncos (Week 12) where one of his two catches was in the endzone. He'll need to find the endzone again in this one to be fantasy relevant. If you're OK with the odds on that happening, play him. We're not confident on a repeat and would look elsewhere.
Sit 'em Noah Fant (DEN, TE)We're not expecting Teddy Bridgewater to return this week, and by all accounts, it looks like Drew Lock will be under center once again. Noah Fant and the Denver receivers have not fared well. In fact, Fant hasn't had a stellar performance since Week 6 averaging just 6.6 points each game since. It's a nice matchup, but Fant is difficult to trust in the most important game of the year.
Sit 'em Baltimore Ravens (BAL, DEF)The 2021 Ravens defense has not lived up to expectations, and that's not likely to change this week. The Rams are solid both on the ground and through the air. They've allowed the 7th-fewest fantasy points to opposing defense/special teams.
Sit 'em Minnesota Vikings (MIN, DEF)The Packers have consistently put points on the scoreboard (avg 25.5/game). That makes the Vikings defense a bad play. When they faced each other back in Week 11, both teams put up over 30 points. With Rodgers and company playing well, the Vikings defense belongs on the bench.
Sit 'em Greg Joseph (MIN, K)Greg Joseph has been a fantastic fantasy kicker (4th-best overall on the season), but a trip to Lambeau on Sunday night isn't a great way to end the fantasy season. Green Bay is giving up the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to the position, and unlike their first game in Week 11, this game will be played outside.
Join the Discussion
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jamisdiablo CommentedDec 31, 2021 10:40 am
Ok here we go…team #1: full point PPR league, #1. TE, I have Waller on my bench just in case but if not would U go friermuth if he clears protocols or someone else like Uzomah or Everett? #2 RB/flex, we start 1 rb and three flexes: 2 flexes are all set, so I need an RB and flex from the following: I have swift and eMitchell on bench, starting Smichel at the moment and have Lockett as well. (I also have Jackson in case ekeler sits again, but not hopeful there) Thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 2:00 pm
Waller's not going to play and Freiermuth is back, but I would start Gerald Everett.
Ekeler should be back this week, so barring any unforeseen issues, Jackson should just be insurance.
Dan Campbell said that he was going to cut Swift loose this week, so hopefully that translates to plenty of volume. Elijah Mitchell is questionable, so I think Swift is the play there.
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:05 pm
Agreed. Everett at tight end and Swift at running back
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 31, 2021 10:44 am
Team #2, standard league, at WR, start Hollywood brown or big mike Williams? Thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 2:04 pm
I'd probably start Marquise Brown.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:05 pm
Brown
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 31, 2021 3:42 pm
Dak this week for me.
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:52 pm
Dak
Whack Everyone CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:00 pm
Just about everyone says Stafford at Ravens.. Why you think Dak is the better play vs Arz?
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:06 pm
Dak
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:13 pm
Perhaps I'm a bit jaded by last week's performance from Stafford. In a plus matchup, he absolutely crapped the bed. The matchup for Stafford this week is another plus one. Perhaps he'll come through on this one.
The fact that you're questioning the Dak answers suggests that you were/are leaning towards Stafford. My suggestion - go with Stafford. The truth is that the point projections for them are so close that giving Stafford the edge based on matchup is just fine.
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:54 pm
I think Najee is probably the safer play, but I would go with RoJo against the Jets.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:07 pm
Jones
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:22 am
Harris for me.
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:12 am
Jones for me
DLC CommentedDec 31, 2021 3:58 pm
Non PPR. DeVonta Smith or Hunter Renfrow? Or... Terry McLaurin. Thanks
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:54 pm
Hunter Renfrow
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:07 pm
Renfrow
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:22 am
Renfrow. But it’s close
Daniel Borges CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:03 pm
Cousins is out still play Jefferson also Chubb or Sony michel?
Daniel Borges CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:03 pm
PPR
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:57 pm
The rankings have Justin Jefferson ahead there and I'm sure the Vikings will find a way to get the ball into his hands, but I kind of like Chubb - much better matchup and no question marks.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:07 pm
Jefferson
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:23 am
Jefferson and Chubb.
Drew Shoemaker CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:04 pm
Okay so this is tough so here we go: RB need 2: Ekeler, Najee, Singletary, RoJo WR: Keenan Allen, Kupp, Amon- Ra St. Brown, Hollywood and any of them could be a flex. Also QB mahommes or Rogers? Thank you!
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:01 pm
At RB - I'd go Ekeler and Harris.
At WR, I like Kupp > Allen > St. Brown > Hollywood
At QB, gotta stick with Mahomes.
That's a helluva lineup.
Good luck!
TOBIAS CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:27 pm
Rodgers owns Minnesota!
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:24 am
Agree with nerd, except I’d go Rodgers over mahommes too.
Bill Dix CommentedDec 31, 2021 4:31 pm
I really need some advice. Full PPR. AB now seems injured (yet another injury to yet another player) and I’m wondering if you’d put Penny in instead of him?
Also, I have to choose 2 between Waddle, Lamb, or Chase. Or if AB doesn’t go just fire up all three of them? Thanks. Sorry for the long comment.
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:03 pm
If AB doesn't go, then I'd play all three. If AB plays, then I'd probably sit Waddle out of that group. I don't know that I'd sit any of them for Penny. Solid, solid lineup.
Good luck!
Taco's Last Stand CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:05 am
Check who's trending....Waddle over Lamb and slightly over Chase. Lamb is too inconsistent and he has a bad matchup vs Cardinals DBs. Chase could have a big game if its a shootout in CIncy.
Mighty Mac CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:02 pm
PPR Super flex league
Starting lineup as of now Dak, Ceedee, AJ Brown, Zeke, Elijah Mitchell, Dalton Shultz and Amon-Ra St. Brown (flex Spot). My bench beat up by COVID and injuries but I have Gerald Everett and devonta smith still useable. I can grab Rashaad Penny for a better RB and Trey a lance or Huntley for flex as we play super flex
Thoughts??
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:20 pm
It looks like Eli Mitchell will play this week (at least he's trending that way), but I would go get Rashaad Penny instead. Fewer question marks.
As far as the superflex spot goes, it looks like Jimmy G is not looking like he's going to go. We don't have much of a sample size on Trey Lance, but if you're comfortable with the risk, I'd go grab Lance and plug him in at the flex.
Good luck!
Nerd CommentedDec 31, 2021 5:15 pm
I'd play the hot hand - Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:25 am
Sun god.
Ed Chan CommentedDec 31, 2021 9:05 pm
Love me some championship weekend!
So....if AB can't go on Sunday, who would you flex from these bench players. I'm leaning toward one of the guys in the following order, based on matchups: St. Brown, Penny, Renfrow, Pollard, M. Carter, Ogunbowale or Burkhead.
This is for all the marbles, so appreciate the help! :)
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 9:35 am
Assuming PPR, only real change I might make would be to switch Penny and Renfrow, but would still lead with Amon-Ra St. Brown.
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:25 am
Sun god.
WhatUptho CommentedDec 31, 2021 9:09 pm
Tee Higgins or AJ Brown
Need 2 : Zeke, Jordan Howard and Josh Jacobs
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 9:40 am
For me, it's AJ Brown and then the RB's in this order: Zeke, Jacobs, Howard.
Good luck!
lchudyba CommentedDec 31, 2021 9:09 pm
I can start 2 RBs, 2 WRs, and Flex. Who do I pick?
Ekeler, RoJo, Penny, D.Williams(KC)
Lockett, Cooks, St.Brown, Renfrow
Taco's Last Stand CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:09 am
RBs: Ekeler and RoJo
WRs: Cooks and St. Brown
lchudyba CommentedJan 1, 2022 2:35 pm
Who do you like for Flex spot after these four? Lockett?
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:29 am
Agree with weezer, and Lockett
tramz18 CommentedDec 31, 2021 9:49 pm
Ok i hope all you guy's have an opinion on this. I know it's a waaay early look ahead to 2022 but here goes. Who if any RB will have any fantasy impact next season or have a chance to start off the bat which i know is rare for 1st year players.....Isaiah Spiller or Breece Hall. This is for a keeper league and what round would you consider them....I will have the 2nd pick next year. Thanks
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 9:36 am
Pittman
Good luck!
Taco's Last Stand CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:09 am
Pittman
Michael Matejka CommentedJan 1, 2022 8:19 am
Any thoughts on benching Justin Jefferson for Hunter Renfrow? I don't like the thought of Minnesota's no name back up trying to get him the ball against a fire up GB defense, with no Thielen to take some pressure off, in a championship week.
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 9:38 am
Great question. I have to admit that I've been thinking about a similar scenario. On one hand, it could be a similar situation to Detroit where Tim Boyle is backing up Jared Goff and still manages to feed St. Brown a ton of targets. Same situation could happen with Jefferson, but can you trust that it will? On the other hand, there's the old adage that you never sit your studs and Jefferson certainly qualifies.
All that said, I'd probably still go with Jefferson. Good luck!
Taco's Last Stand CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:11 am
Jefferson. The reason why he is so good is he runs great routes, is very fast and gets separation. This makes him a great target regardless of who is at QB.
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:28 am
Renfrow
Michael Matejka CommentedJan 3, 2022 10:02 pm
I'm certainly glad I did my homework on this one. Go with your studs is never a good strategy these days. The NFL is too unpredictable the last couple years.
Taco's Last Stand CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:12 am
Please rank: Standard. Edmonds, Swift and Damien Harris.
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 2:14 pm
Harris > Swift > Edmonds
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:27 am
If Connor sits I go harris, Edmonds, swift
Nerd CommentedJan 1, 2022 2:15 pm
RoJo - Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:23 am
Rojo
Ed Chan CommentedJan 1, 2022 4:59 pm
Fortunate enough to be in another PPR league final. Currently have 49ers Jeff Wilson as one of my RB starters with Mitchell out the last few weeks. Other RB is Jacobs, and CMC is on IR (this is a keeper league). Elijah is expected back tomorrow, would you still play Wilson? Or go with one of the following bench options: J. Jackson, D. Freeman, Hunt, Ogunbowale or Burkhead? Tempted to go with one of the latter two purely based on those guys being the clear lead backs who will get touches. Any advice is appreciated!
Ed Chan CommentedJan 1, 2022 9:00 pm
I just picked up Jaret Patterson from WFT, only because I saw that Gibson is out for tomorrow and reading Patterson will be the primary ball carrier. Dare I throw him in the mix to start?
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:24 am
Mitchell. Only Mitchell.
Nerd CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:56 am
With Mitchell back, I would not play Wilson. I would probably lean Jacobs and Ogunbowale.
Good luck!
gocubz10 CommentedJan 1, 2022 10:58 pm
Would you consider benching Zeke and playing Penny?
Waddle or Higgins?
Fant or Everett?
Bass or Zuerlein?
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:25 am
Penny
Waddle
Everett
Bass
Nerd CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:43 am
I think it's close, but would still go Zeke.
Waddle
Everett
Bass
Austin Baker CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:52 pm
I'm loaded at WR, struggling at RB. I got Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams locked in. Debating Antonio Brown vs. Tee Higgins in the flex. Chose AB last week thinking he had the bigger upside. Am I crazy to think that is the case this week? Higgins had the game of his life last week, can't do it again, can he??
RB is a mess. I need 2 from the following: James Connor, Dare Ogunbowale, D'Onta Foreman, Alexander Mattison, and Justin Jackson. Mattison and Jackson were clutch last week, but looks like the starters are back this week and they won't see much action. Please help, losing my mind on this one. First time in the Championship after 5 years in a dynasty league.
Oh, and also not sure about Kicker. Been rocking with Harrison Butker all season. Picked up Nick Folk last week, but he was kind of a bust. Favorable matchup this week though, and the weather will be a bit warmer and less windy in Foxborough.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Austin Baker CommentedJan 1, 2022 11:57 pm
Boston Scott and Jaret Patterson are also on the wire.
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:26 am
Higgins
Connor if he plays, then Scott. Folk at K
Nerd CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:49 am
I would probably lean AB, but I can see the Higgins choice there. Joe Burrow isn't going to throw another 525 Yd/4 TD game but plenty of targets should still be there. For Brown, he should have Mike Evans back (albeit in a limited capacity) to help open things up. Good problem to have there.
Conner and Ogunbowale - you're correct that Cook and Ekeler are back this week limiting the value of Mattison and Jackson.
Nick Folk at K.
Good luck!
Austin Baker CommentedJan 3, 2022 12:36 am
UPDATE: Went with AB (*shrugs*), Foreman, Ogunbowale, and Folk. Neither of us have any Monday night players and I win by 30 . Thanks for the help!!
jamisdiablo CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:23 am
ARSB or Lockett in a full PPR flex? Im worried a bit about swift”s return impacting brown a bit…?
Nerd CommentedJan 2, 2022 9:52 am
I think the upside of Lockett is better. He's a boom or bust kinda guy, but when he booms, it's usually pretty good. Swift is supposed to be "let loose" according to Dan Campbell, so I'm thinking he's going to be heavily involved to create momentum going into next season. St. Brown will obviously still be involved, but I share the same concern.
Good luck!
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