Fantasy Football Week 17: 3 Quarterbacks with Something to Play For

Week 17 is always a tough week for fantasy football owners.

Several key players like Aaron Rodgers have nothing to play for, so their action will be limited or nonexistent.

Therefore, for fantasy owners who have championship games this weekend, having a quarterback with something to play for is important.

Here are three quarterbacks who have something to play for in Week 17.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

The Giants need to win to get into the playoffs. They are playing the Dallas Cowboys, a team that also needs to win to get into the playoffs.

In clutch situations this season, Manning has been outstanding. He led a long drive late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers to tie the game (though the Packers would win on a field goal).

He also led a touchdown drive against the New England Patriots that won the game for the Giants.

So, with Manning facing the most pressure he's faced all season this weekend, expect him to thrive and put up plenty of fantasy points.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees passed Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record last week, but Tom Brady is close on his heels.

If Brees sits, Brady could theoretically pass him and claim the record.

Brees and the Saints could clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC if they beat the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers lose to the St. Louis Rams.

So Brees still has a couple reasons to play. When he plays, he's one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL.

Keep him in your lineup if you have him.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Smith and the 49ers can't afford to have a slip up against the lowly Rams.

The Rams probably won't want to play too hard either, to try to get the first overall draft pick.

This is just the kind of game the old Alex Smith would lose. If he wants to prove he's a new, better quarterback, he has to win this game and get the No. 2 seed.

A home playoff game would be great for the Niners, and Smith needs to have a good game to make that happen.

He's not the ideal fantasy quarterback, but in a week where several stars might not get much playing time, he's a decent play.