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Fantasy Football Week 17: Sunday Morning Gameday Preview

Jim McCormickDec 31, 2016

We're 240 games and roughly 10,900 points into the 2016 NFL regular season. With 16 games left—all to be played out on this final football-rich Sunday, we're here to delve into the specifics of each matchup and determine which players we can deploy with confidence in this final frame of the fantasy campaign. 

The key matchup of the slate is playing out in Detroit on Sunday night, as the Lions host the Green Bay Packers in a game that will decide the NFC North title. In fact, this is the fourth season in a row the division will be decided in the final game of the season.

With some playoff-bound teams resting their stars as a de facto bye week, we're even more interested in teams like the Packers and Lions and the teams that are still motivated to produce this week. 

Join us in canvassing the league with specific matchup metrics for each game on the Sunday slate. Feel free to share your lineup questions and predictions in the comments below.

Fantasy Football Week 17: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

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Game Preview

Miami clinched its first 10-win campaign since 2008 and the Dolphins have won nine of their past 10 games, yet are positioned as sizable underdogs of nearly 10 points to the visiting New England Patriots across most books, per OddsShark.

The Patriots have allowed just 15.7 points per game to opponents, the fewest by a NFL defense since 2013. With New England working to sew up the top seed in the conference, it's fitting to find them as sizable favorites.

Injury Updates

Impressive Patriots rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell is listed as doubtful with a knee injury and isn't expected to play, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. Per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, tight end Martellus Bennett could be on a snap count in this contest due to ankle and shoulder ailments.

Fantasy Fixtures

Patriots

Since Tom Brady took charge of the offense in Week 5, the Patriots have the league's lowest turnover rate and the most points per drive in the AFC over this successful sample. Brady remains a key starting asset against an exploitable Miami defense that ranks middle-of-the-pack in per-drive scoring allowance to opponents.

With the Dolphins allowing 108.5 rushing yards and nearly 4.6 yards per carry to opposing tailbacks, LeGarrette Blount has one of the highest rushing touchdown probability rates in the league this week. Blount leads the NFL in red-zone touches and rushing touchdowns. 

Julian Edelman has enjoyed a dominant 32.2 percent share of the Patriots' targets since Week 10, the highest rate in the entire league over this span. With such a rich workload, Edelman is a high-floor asset and offers elite outcome potential in points-per-reception formats.

Dolphins

Tailback Jay Ajayi faces a tough challenge facing a Patriots defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards to backs this season, although his volume-driven role and touchdown potential in goal-to-go scenarios supports RB2 value.

None of the receivers for Miami are particularly trustworthy, while Jarvis Landry at least leads the team in target share for the season and has some big-play potential after the catch in a game that could trend pass-happy given the spread.

Sleepers and Streamers 

Patriots wideout Chris Hogan is intriguing in deeper and daily formats given Mitchell's valuable target share is up for grabs. We also identify Dion Lewis with some upside given he's netted 37 touches over the past two games and looks shifty on tape.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24:  Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to their NFL game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 2016 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to their NFL game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Game Preview

The Jaguars enter Indianapolis in a matchup that trends fantasy-friendly given both teams rate in the bottom half in points allowed per drive to opponents. It's fitting then to find this game with an encouraging implied point total of 47 points, per OddsShark. Both teams struggle to sustain pressure on opposing passers and claim some of the lowest turnover rates on defense in the league, thus we can confidently deploy several skill players in this matchup.

Injury Updates

Jacksonville's Marqise Lee and Chris Ivory are both questionable, but expected to play, after participating in practice throughout the week, per the team's Twitter handle. As for the Colts, Kevin Bowen of the team's site reports wideout Donte Moncrief is doubtful after missing practice all week with a shoulder ailment.

Fantasy Fixtures

Jaguars

With some creative deployment last week, Allen Robinson was able to find success and should produce another strong showing against an exploitable Colts secondary. We also find value in tailback Chris Ivory, given the Colts have ceded the seventh-most rushing yards to tailbacks this season.

Colts

Andrew Luck produced two touchdowns against the Jags earlier this season and is in a fine position to again return value as a home favorite against a middling defense. Frank Gore remains the embodiment of a high-floor RB2, while elite wideout T.Y. Hilton could avoid Jalen Ramsey in coverage thanks to his proficiency working from the slot.

Sleepers and Streamers

Marqise Lee leads the Jaguars in receiving yardage and could produce a rewarding outing in points-per-reception formats.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Game Preview 

The Bucs essentially need a nine-game parlay to play out in their favor in order to make the playoffs. The good news is that this requires first that Tampa wins the game, suggesting we'll see full snap rates for their top players. Carolina continues to battle as well, as the Panthers can at least revive some respectability in ending Tampa's playoff aspirations. The Bucs have allowed the fifth-fewest points per drive in the NFL since Week 10 and though Cam Newton has completed just 45.3 percent of his passes since, we find the Bucs poised as home favorites, per OddsShark.

Injury Updates

Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen are listed as questionable yet expected to play, per Bryan Strickland of the team's website. For Tampa, Charles Sims has been placed on injured reserve, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs have also placed Cameron Brate on injured reserve, again per Auman.

Fantasy Fixtures

Panthers

Newton's inefficient passing season is a glaring regression from last year's MVP effort, but he remains an intriguing starter given the rare upside his dual-threat skill set offers. Jonathan Stewart isn't in a great spot to exceed value but with at least 25 touches in two of the past three games, there is at least interest as a solid flex option.

Kelvin Benjamin has been wildly inconsistent since a strong start to the season, but he can be considered a solid flex asset facing a suspect rookie corner in Vernon Hargreaves. Greg Olsen remains an entirely bankable asset, especially given he delivered a career-high 181 yards against Tampa in Week 5.

Bucs

Mike Evans is in a strong spot against a young duo of outside corners, as he tallied a touchdown last time against the Panthers. Jacquizz Rodgers, meanwhile, could consume a valuable majority of touches from the backfield. Jameis Winston is essentially a borderline QB1 in the same tier as Newton. 

Sleepers and Streamers 

We consider the Bucs defense a valuable streaming option given Newton's inaccuracy and a playmaking group of linebackers.

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Fantasy Football Week 17: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

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Game Preview 

The Minnesota Vikings started the season 5-0 but have gone 2-8 since. A suspect offense ranked 30th in yards per play and 27th in points per drive has been a key issue for the Vikings. The Chicago Bears haven't been much better at just 25th in points per drive on offense. The Vikings' elite pass rush is at least a differentiating factor, thus they enter this division battle as sizable six-point favorites, per OddsShark.

Injury Updates

Tailback Adrian Peterson has been ruled out with multiple injuries while Stefon Diggs is doubtful with a hip ailment and isn't expected to play, per Larry Mayer of the Chicago Bears' website.

Fantasy Fixtures

Bears

We identify workhorse rookie tailback Jordan Howard as a worthy fantasy option given his volume-driven role and the fact he topped 200 yards from scrimmage facing the Vikings back in Week 8. We also dig shares of Alshon Jeffery and Cam Meredith as upside-laden wideouts for a Chicago offense that leans heavily on this tandem of receivers.

Vikings

Steady passing usage makes Jerick McKinnon a meaningful flex option in points-per-reception leagues, while Adam Thielen is again in a great spot to shine with Diggs ailing.

Sleepers and Streamers 

Steaming the Vikings' defense is wise, as they are second in the NFL in pressure rate while Matt Barkley has one of the worst passer ratings under pressure this season. In deeper leagues, Sam Bradford is a reasonable streaming option for a Vikings offense that can't move the ball on the ground. 

Fantasy Football Week 17: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) salutes the fans while leaving the field following their 31-13 win against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, Sunday, October 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) salutes the fans while leaving the field following their 31-13 win against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, Sunday, October 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

Game Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the AFC North in a dramatic Christmas Day victory, while the Browns earned their first victory of the season in Week 16. With a fixed playoff berth, the Steelers are resting several key stars and yet are still sizable favorites over their lowly rivals, per OddsShark.

Injury Updates

Mark Kaboly of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports Ladarius Green has been ruled out with an eye on getting healthy for the playoffs.   

Fantasy Fixtures

Browns

We consider Isaiah Crowell a boom-or-bust flex asset given his claim to goal-to-go touches and the fact the Steelers could rest or limit the exposure of key front seven defenders. Similarly, wideout Terrelle Pryor could earn increased attention as the team schemes to get him over 1,000 yards.

Steelers

Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports the Steelers are resting Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell in this contest. DeAngelo Williams is due a majority of meaningful touches and has proven quite productive when afforded feature work. Given the team is resting their key assets, Williams is the lone commodity we trust this week.

Sleepers and Streamers

The Steelers' Eli Rogers could prove intriguing as the top target of Landry Jones because the signal-caller is of interest in daily fantasy formats and deeper redraft leagues. For the Browns, Corey Coleman is an intriguing tournament selection in DFS play.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

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Game Preview

The Buffalo Bills made some major overhauls with the firing of the Ryan brothers from atop their coaching staff and with the benching of signal-caller Tyrod Taylor. Given the Bills are sending E.J. Manuel as their starter—he ranks 36th out of 38 qualified quarterbacks in passer rating since 2013—we find Buffalo as just slight road favorites, per OddsShark.

Injury Updates 

With Matt Forte ruled out and placed on injured reserve, tailback Bilal Powell and receiver Brandon Marshall will try to play. Rookie Robbie Anderson, meanwhile, isn't expected to go, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.

Fantasy Fixtures

Bills 

We can assume LeSean McCoy earns a heavy workload, as he's one of just 11 backs this season averaging at least 19 touches per game. As a total-yardage maven, ranked fourth in the league in per-game scrimmage production, "Shady" is the lone must-start asset on this roster.

We do find some interest in Sammy Watkins' upside-driven profile, especially against a suspect New York secondary. Charles Clay's touchdown streak is now in jeopardy with the downgrade at quarterback, so he's a risky borderline TE1 thanks to the shift behind center.

Jets 

Powell is likely to start this week and could prove special against a soft Buffalo run defense that ranks 30th against opposing tailbacks this season in regards to rushing yardage. With such a rich skill set as a receiver, Powell is increasingly valuable in points-per-reception leagues.

Sleepers and Streamers

Marshall has entered the boom-or-bust class at the position and is truly ailing, while Quincy Enunwa could be a nice sleeper if Marshall is limited or sidelined. Both defenses deliver promise against potentially sloppy signal-callers.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

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Game Preview

The passion from what is often a riveting rivalry is deflated with the Dallas Cowboys having clinched the top seed in the NFC, while the Philadelphia Eagles have lost five straight games. With the Cowboys resting key starters and the Eagles still playing to win without control of their draft pick, we find Philly positioned as field-goal favorites, according to OddsShark.

Injury Updates

Philadelphia's Ryan Mathews has been placed on injured reserve, per the team's Twitter handle. For Dallas, tailback Darren McFadden is dealing with an illness and appears to be a game-time decision, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

Fantasy Fixtures

Cowboys

There is some flex interest in tailback Darren McFadden given the potential for double-digit touches, while we're fading the rest of this roster with the premise they'll rest their key assets.

Eagles

Darren Sproles is an intriguing flex or even RB2 with Mathews sidelined, especially in points-per-reception formats. Zach Ertz is among the league leaders in targets and target share over the past month, thus his fantasy floor proves valuable.

Sleepers and Streamers

Deploying Carson Wentz in deeper leagues and daily fantasy tournaments offers some upside given the potential for facing a defense rife with understudies.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

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Game Preview

The current Houston franchise heads to Tennessee to face the former Oilers, although without much bite to this division battle given the Texans have clinched the AFC South crown and the Titans are missing their starting signal-caller to injury. The fantasy fun for this one might be found on the ground with heavy workloads for the respective backfields.

Injury Updates

Houston's Lamar Miller won't suit up for the second straight weekend with an ankle ailment, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.

Fantasy Fixtures 

Texans

The absence of Miller vaults Alfred Blue into the RB2 tier on a week that proves shallow at the position. With the promise of 20 touches, Blue is a fine option, while DeAndre Hopkins is a boom-or-bust asset facing a generous Tennessee secondary.

Titans

DeMarco Murray is the only truly bankable asset on the roster at this stage, while Delanie Walker earns interest as a starter for his strong target pattern at such a shallow and fickle fantasy position.

Sleepers and Streamers 

The Texans' defense is intriguing against a mistake-prone Matt Cassel.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

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Game Preview

The main narrative in this game is the likely final game for Baltimore's Steve Smith Sr., as the Ravens wideout is Canton-bound and could enjoy a nice usage rate. Both teams have experienced sluggish offensive seasons, as Cincinnati's Andy Dalton is just 25th in touchdowns per attempt, while the Ravens' Joe Flacco is 24th. With a low point total in place, we're not enthused in this matchup much beyond Smith's career finale.

Injury Updates

Tyler Eifert underwent back surgery and has clearly been ruled out for this contest, per Alex Marvez of Sirius XM, while A.J. Green has been ruled out, according to Bob Holtzman of ESPN. Jeremy Hill is considered highly questionable for this contest, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN.

Fantasy Fixtures

Ravens

Smith Sr. could earn a rewarding uptick in targets in what is almost certainly his final NFL appearance. Smith is cheap in DFS play, so even if your season-long league is over there is one more week to enjoy this loquacious legend.

Bengals

Brandon LaFell has consumed a valuable 25 percent share of the team's targets over the past month and has at least 91 yards in three of the past four. If Hill plays, he's a risky touchdown-dependent option.

Sleepers and Streamers 

Rex Burkhead for the Bengals and Kenneth Dixon for the Ravens each have some appeal as flex options in points-per-reception formats.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

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Game Preview

Kansas City claims the top record in the NFL since Week 7 of last season and are still chasing the division crown in this division matchup. The Chiefs thus enter as favorites against a Chargers team potentially facing their final game in San Diego.

Injury Updates

Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports Spencer Ware will be a game-time decision. Melvin Gordon of the Chargers has been ruled out, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Fantasy Fixtures

Chiefs

Travis Kelce has been an absolute revelation this season as a receiver after the catch. Only the Green Bay Packers' Jordy Nelson has produced more receiving yardage than Kelce since Week 8. Ware is a fine total-yardage option if active, but hasn't been helpful in the touchdown department. Deploying Tyreek Hill is a gamble on a big play, but he's a supremely gifted playmaker in a big spot this Sunday.

Chargers 

Ronnie Hillman is due the majority of touches with the Chargers' backfield ravaged by injuries. Tyrell Williams is a solid starter given a steady target share and some big-play potential on vertical seam routes. We're fading Philip Rivers in this one, as the Chiefs' pass rush and ball-hawking secondary is enough evidence to find a stronger alternative.

Sleepers and Streamers 

Jeremy Maclin is now a streaming option, but has looked better on film lately and merits some interest in deeper leagues. The Chiefs' defense is a nice play against Rivers and his league-high interception pace. Charcandrick West becomes a viable flex if Ware is ruled out.

Antonio Gates is one touchdown shy of tying Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdowns among tight ends, thus there is some sleeper appeal.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

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Game Preview

The devastating loss of Derek Carr to a season-ending leg injury last week limits the fantasy appeal for this once-elite Raiders' passing offense. Oakland is starting underwhelming understudy Matt McGloin, while the Broncos are looking to get their top pick Paxton Lynch more snaps behind center as he exits his rookie campaign. Given the lack of star power at quarterback, it's fitting to find this game with one of the lowest point totals of the slate, per OddsShark.

Injury Updates 

There are no fantasy-relevant injuries to report for this game.

Fantasy Fixtures

Raiders

Latavius Murray is a must-start asset against a Denver defense that proves soft to the run and is missing Derek Wolfe, their edge-setting run defender. For some context, Murray rushed for a career-high three touchdowns in Week 9 against Denver and the Broncos rank 28th against the rush this season.

Of the Raiders' receivers, we trust Michael Crabtree more than Amari Cooper given his stronger target share and red-zone success, but both are in truly tough spots against an elite Denver secondary that has yielded the fewest fantasy points and yards to receivers this season.

Broncos

With Lynch behind center, there is some real risk in trusting Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but with such dominant target stakes for each, we continue to rely on them as WR2 commodities on a team that simply can't run the ball.

Sleepers and Streamers

We can viably stream both D/ST units in this one, as two green quarterbacks prove inviting for defensive upside. The Raiders lead the league in pressure rate over the past month, while the Broncos lead the league over the full season in creating pressure on opposing passers.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

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Game Preview 

The San Francisco 49ers have defeated the L.A. Rams twice but otherwise are winless against all other opponents. Ranked 25th in offensive efficiency on the season and allowing the most points per drive to opponents since Week 2, San Francisco is a soft opponent for a Seattle team still pursuing improved playoff positioning. Given the 49ers' struggles, we find the Seahawks with a win probability factor of 82 percent on FiveThirtyEight's predictive model.

Injury Updates 

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports Carlos Hyde has been placed on injured reserve.

Fantasy Fixtures

Seahawks 

Doug Baldwin is in an awesome spot against the 49ers' depleted secondary, as he set a career-high in yardage against San Francisco earlier this season and just established a new zenith in targets, yards and receptions last Saturday. We also admire the upside Russell Wilson brings to the field, as he's produced seven touchdowns and has rushed 16 times the past two games.

The Seahawks' defense is also an elite option on Sunday, with the 49ers' mistake-prone and pace-driven offense offering exciting upside. 

Tailback Thomas Rawls made it through the week with full participation in practice and is in a coveted spot to explode against a 49ers rush defense that has allowed the most yards to backs this season and the third-most per game since 2001.

Tight end Jimmy Graham enjoyed one of his three 100-yard games earlier this season against the 49ers and could see an uptick in target share with Tyler Lockett on injured reserve.

49ers 

Shaun Draughn is due to consume the majority of snaps and touches on an offense that proves friendly for tailback production.

Sleepers and Streamers

Colin Kaepernick's ability to produce in the rushing phase equates to interest in deeper and daily fantasy formats, especially as he'll claim low ownership in DFS tournaments.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams

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Game Preview

Los Angeles has gone 1-10 since beginning the season 3-1 and have since fired their coach and deployed their reeling rookie signal-caller. Jared Goff has been sacked on 9.2 percent of his dropbacks this season, second highest rate in the NFL. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are second in the league in blitz rate and lead the league in blitz rate, thus the Rams are an avoidable roster for fantasy purposes.

Injury Updates

Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 reports Rams receiver Kenny Britt has been ruled out.

Fantasy Fixtures

Cardinals 

The Rams have allowed the fifth-most points per drive over the past five weeks, suggesting scrimmage maven David Johnson is well positioned to again tally at least 100 yards from scrimmage and deliver multi-touchdown upside. Carson Palmer is also in a worthy starting spot against this eroding defense. Larry Fitzgerald remains a target hog and is due for a strong season finale.

Rams 

Todd Gurley is the lone player on this offense we'd consider, and he's only viable thanks to a volume-driven fantasy floor.

Sleepers and Streamers

J.J. Nelson of the Cardinals is a DeSean Jackson clone with real big-play promise in this friendly setup. The Cardinals' defense is an awesome streaming option against the sack-prone Goff.

Fantasy Football Week 17: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24:  Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the 1st quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Grant Halverso
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the 1st quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverso

Game Preview

The Atlanta Falcons have the top offense in the league this season in essentially every metric. The Falcons lead the league in yards per play, points per drive and total points. The Saints also claim an impressive offense, but a uniquely generous defense, having allowed the second-most points this season. With both quarterbacks enjoying elite statistical seasons and the average total score in the Georgia Dome at nearly 62 points, this is one of the best fantasy climates of the entire Week 17 slate.  

Injury Updates

ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports Falcons wideout Taylor Gabriel has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Fantasy Fixtures

Saints

Drew Brees is a surefire starting option in this shootout setup, while rare rookie receiver Michael Thomas is an awesome stack partner in daily fantasy and a must-start asset in all fantasy formats given he's averaged more points on the road this season. Brandin Cooks has a high ceiling in this matchup, but a low floor as well.

Mark Ingram will get fed the rock based on recent usage and snap trends and is an ideal RB2 with upside for more.

Falcons

Matt Ryan can secure his MVP bid with a big game against a porous pass defense. Julio Jones is supposed to earn more snaps and targets this week, thus he's a must-start WR1. 

Devonta Freeman might be the top tailback option this week save for the Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson; as he's third in the league in red-zone touches and tallied 207 scrimmage yards against the Saints in Week 3.

Sleepers and Streamers

He's been hit-or-miss this season, but the Saints' Willie Snead is a fine streaming option at the flex in deeper formats. For the truly deep and desperate scenario, Aldrick Robinson is interesting for the Falcons with Gabriel ruled out. 

The Falcons' Tevin Coleman clearly claims real upside given he produced a career-high three touchdowns against the Saints earlier this season.

Fantasy Football Week 17: New York Giants at Washington Redskins

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Game Preview

This is essentially a playoff game for the Redskins, as Washington needs to win and avoid the Lions and Packers ending in a tie. The New York Giants enter with a fixed playoff seed and could rest some players, although the team hasn't shared an explicit plan regarding resting their key contributors. The Giants have allowed the fewest points per drive in the NFC, while the Redskins are second in the league in yards per play, so this is an intriguing division battle with so much on the line for Washington.

Injury Updates 

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports Jordan Reed "looked great" in practice to finish the week and should play against the Giants.

Fantasy Fixtures 

Giants

We're still rolling Odell Beckham Jr. out there in lineups despite some risks of him seeing limited snaps, but otherwise fading this offense appears prudent. It's simply difficult to endorse players on a team with no incentive to win on the doorstep of the postseason.

Redskins

Kirk Cousins is one of the league leaders in yards and attempts and is a fine starter against what should be a defense rife with backups. Robert Kelley is a touchdown-dependent asset, but merits trust given the position as a home favorite.

Deploying Jordan Reed bears risk, but it helps to note the positive talk coming from practice.

Sleepers and Streamers 

Of the team's wideouts, DeSean Jackson has the highest ceiling, while Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder are high-floor points-per-reception weapons.

Fantasy Football Week 17: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

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Game Preview

This marks the fourth straight season the NFC division title will be decided in a Week 17 battle for the crown. The Packers have won five straight, as Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is as elite as ever with 11 touchdowns and zero picks over this stretch. Rodgers and Matt Stafford combined for seven passing scores in Week 3, so we are intrigued by multiple fantasy assets on each roster for this playoff-like matchup.

Injury Updates 

Randall Cobb is a game-time decision, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Theo Riddick, meanwhile, has been ruled out yet again with a lingering wrist ailment, per EPSN's Michael Rothstein.

Fantasy Fixtures

Packers

Rodgers and Jordy Nelson are enjoying an amazing rapport over the past five weeks, converting on 81 percent of Nelson's targets for nearly a perfect passer rating. Davante Adams is enjoying a breakout campaign and is a must-start for the sheer ceiling of his production pattern. 

Ty Montgomery merits interest as a high-end RB2, especially with the Lions proving soft on the interior.

Lions

Stafford is a strong starter with awesome pricing in daily fantasy this week, while his top target Golden Tate is a must-start asset with WR1 upside in points-per-reception leagues.

Eric Ebron hasn't converted his usage into huge games this season, but the Packers' secondary proves exploitable and the target pattern could prove rewarding this week.

Sleepers and Streamers

Zach Zenner is a fine flex with real upside, as he's the team's clear goal-to-go weapon. Anquan Boldin is a high-floor flex with upside in points-per-reception formats.

Jared Cook is a deep-league streamer with a compelling ceiling given he's third in target rate over the past three weeks on the Packers.

Data such as pressure rate, defensive drive allowance, target share and scrimmage production sourced from an ESPN database.

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