B/R Fantasy Football's Game-by-Game Guide to Winning Week 17
There are a few fantasy football leagues where Week 17 signals the semifinals. But in most leagues, this is it. The end of the line.
It's championship week.
Two teams remain alive. By the time Week 17 concludes, one will be vanquished. The other will be champion. They will have accomplished what every fantasy manager sets out to do when they draft their teams each year.
Occasionally you'll see a lopsided matchup in the title game. But usually, the final game of the season features two excellent, evenly matched teams. Every lineup call becomes incredibly important. Any edge you can get could be the difference between winning and losing.
All season long, the B/R Fantasy Football's Game-by-Game Guide has endeavored to help you gain that edge. We have offered up injury news. Players to start and sit. Sleepers. And stats to know. Combined with our weekly Fantasy Football Big Board, we have given fantasy managers all the tools they need to notch a win each week.
Do that in Week 17, and it's trophy time.
Fantasy points allowed and scored data courtesy of My Fantasy League.
New York Jets at Cleveland Browns
1 of 16
Key Injuries
Both the Browns and Jets have had their share of injury woes this year. In fact, they have had a few teams' shares. The Jets have been blasted at quarterback, and it will be Trevor Siemian under center again in Week 17—Zach Wilson has not cleared the concussion protocol. Veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard is also out with an illness.
The Browns have been absolutely ravaged by injuries. Running back Kareem Hunt has battled various ailments all season, and while he has been limited in practice by a groin injury, Hunt is tentatively expected to play. Wideout Amari Cooper, however, is out with a heel injury.
Start of the Week
Cleveland Browns Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: The Browns lead the NFL in total defense and pass defense while ranking sixth in fantasy points among defenses. The Jets lead the AFC in fantasy points allowed to defenses. You can't argue with math.
Sit of the Week
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Wilson's 2023 season has been more than a little disappointing thanks to poor quarterback play, and the Browns have surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to wide receivers.
Sleeper
New York Jets Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,200]: The Browns are a 10-win team that has scored its share of points, but Cleveland also leads the NFL this season in giveaways and has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to defenses.
Stat to Know
173.1. The number of passing yards per game the Jets are averaging, which ranks last in the AFC and 31st overall. It hasn't really mattered if it was Siemian, Wilson or Tim Boyle under center—the Jets have struggled to move the ball through the air in 2023, and it has negatively impacted the fantasy value of every skill-position player on the team.
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
2 of 16
Key Injuries
Saturday's meeting between the Lions and Cowboys has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the week. It will also be played by two relatively healthy teams—there are no fantasy-relevant injuries of note for either Detroit or Dallas.
Game on.
Start of the Week
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: The Cowboys run defense is no joke. But Gibbs has been so dynamic as a rookie and the Lions are so committed to running the ball that he's more than capable of 100-plus total yards and a score even in tougher matchups.
Sit of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Pollard's a hard guy to sit unless your depth at running back is sick (as the kids say nowadays). But no team in the league is allowing fewer PPR points to running backs in 2023 than the Lions.
Sleeper
Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Cooks has been hit-or-miss for fantasy managers this season. But CeeDee Lamb is going to be the focus of the Detroit pass defense. And the Lions are a plus fantasy matchup for the position.
Stat to Know
39.9. That's the number of points per game the Cowboys are averaging at AT&T Stadium this season, where they are undefeated. It's over 18 points a game more than what Dallas averages on the road, and the home/road splits are similarly skewed for players like Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in 2023. Look for the Cowboys passing attack to get back in gear Saturday in a big way.
Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens
3 of 16
Key Injuries
Sunday's tilt between the Ravens and Dolphins could go a long way toward determining the AFC's No. 1 seed. And fresh off a dominant win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Ravens are in good shape injury-wise outside wideout Zay Flowers, who has a calf issue and is questionable.
The Miami Dolphins aren't so fortunate. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert both picked up ankle injuries last week, and Waddle will miss the game. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill (ankle) and running back De'Von Achane (knee) were also absent from Wednesday's practice. Hill got in a limited session Thursday, but Mostert remained a DNP. Achane and Hill are off the injury report, while Mostert is questionable but expected to play.
Start of the Week
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Flowers received a gaudy 13 targets last week, catching nine for 72 yards and a touchdown. He's clearly Lamar Jackson's favorite passing game target, and the Dolphins are a neutral fantasy matchup for wide receivers. Just keep an eye on his practice status given the injury.
Sit of the Week
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,400]: Since Week 9, Tagovailoa actually ranks outside the top 15 quarterbacks in fantasy points. Now he has to face a Ravens defense that just destroyed Brock Purdy's MVP candidacy.
Sleeper
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Beckham has been targeted just three times in each of the last two games. But the veteran wide receiver is always a threat to catch a long one, and this game has at least some shootout potential. If Flowers sits, OBJ will see a bump in targets as well.
Stat to Know
106. The number of sacks the Ravens have combined for this season. Baltimore leads the league with 54, while the Dolphins are right behind them with 52. Both Baltimore's Jackson and Miami's Tagovailoa have the ability to use their legs to evade pressure. Given how these pass rushes are playing, they are going to need it.
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
4 of 16
Key Injuries
The New England Patriots won at Denver last week despite being short a number of offensive players—running back Rhamondre Stevenson (knee), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) and tight end Hunter Henry (knee) all missed Week 16. Smith-Schuster and Henry got in limited practices Wednesday, but Stevenson has been placed on injured reserve and Smith-Schuster backslid and has been ruled out.
The Bills are in much better shape offensively as they continue their push for the postseason—no notable players appear on the injury report.
Start of the Week
Buffalo Bills Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: The Patriots scored 26 points in Denver, but 14 of those came compliments of a defensive score and a fumble deep in Broncos territory. It was the first time the Pats topped 20 points since Week 5.
Sit of the Week
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Kincaid had a nice stretch of games earlier in the season, but the past few weeks he's been all but invisible. That's not likely to change in a bad fantasy matchup for the position with the Patriots.
Sleeper
Demario Douglas, WR, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: The Bills aren't a favorable matchup for wide receivers, but the Patriots will probably be playing from behind, and last week at least Douglas was clearly New England's No. 1 receiver.
Stat to Know
23.0. That's the number of PPR points Gabriel Davis of the Bills amassed last week on a 4/130/1 line against the Chargers. In two of the last four games, Davis has 18 targets and a pair of 100-yard games. In the other two games, Davis has three targets and no catches. He's the epitome of a feast-or-famine fantasy option—a guy who can win you a championship with a big stat line or get you beat with a vanishing act.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears
5 of 16
Key Injuries
The Atlanta Falcons switched to Taylor Heinicke at quarterback in an effort to revive their lagging playoff hopes. But in last week's big win over the Colts, Heinicke picked up an ankle injury that left him limited in practices. He's off the injury report though.
The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, could be short a pair of pass-catchers in this game. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is in the concussion protocol and out, and tight end Cole Kmet is questionable with a knee injury.
Start of the Week
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: It's understandable to be nervous about any Falcons player given head coach Arthur Smith's game "plans." But while the Bears have allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in the league, they are eighth in PPR points surrendered to the position.
Sit of the Week
Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Herbert surpassed 100 total yards and scored last week against the Cardinals. But the Falcons have quietly allowed the third-fewest PPR points to running backs this year.
Sleeper
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: I don't know why I keep doing this to myself (and y'all). But I can't let go of the dream that Smith will remember that Pitts is a wildly athletic talent who is a matchup nightmare for opponents. Keep hope alive.
Stat to Know
97. The number of rushing yards that Bears quarterback Justin Fields had last week against the Redbirds. Fields has two games to demonstrate that he should be the future at quarterback in Chicago, and the Falcons have the NFL's 10th-worst pass rush this year. Atlanta has also allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, so this week sets up well for Fields to post solid QB1 numbers.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
6 of 16
Key Injuries
Both of these AFC South foes have injuries under center—Tennessee's Will Levis missed last week's loss with an ankle issue, while Houston phenom C.J. Stroud sat with a concussion. Stroud has cleared the NFL's protocol and Levis is off the injury report, so both appear to be a go for Week 17.
Houston also has a pair of nicked-up wideouts in Nico Collins (calf) and Noah Brown (knee). Both missed some practice time, but both are off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: With Case Keenum at quarterback last week, Collins' production was modest. But if Stroud returns against a shaky Titans secondary, he could be due for a big game just when fantasy managers need it most.
Sit of the Week
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Hopkins has posted back-to-back clunkers, and while the Texans are a middling fantasy matchup for receivers, Hopkins will likely draw young cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage.
Sleeper
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: Okonkwo hasn't been the breakout tight end that some predicted in 2023, but his 6/63/1 line last week was his best game of the season. The Texans have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to tight ends this year.
Stat to Know
1,999. The number of career carries that Titans running Derrick Henry has entering Sunday's game. With 28 rushing yards and one score, Henry will become the fourth running back in league history to post four 1,000-yard, 12-score seasons. The day is coming when Henry's Hall of Fame worthiness will be debated. But it's going to be interesting to see what the market is for a 30-year-old back with over 2,000 career carries come next spring when Henry hits free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts
7 of 16
Key Injuries
The Las Vegas Raiders stunned the Kansas City Chiefs last week without the services of running back Josh Jacobs, who missed a second straight game with a quad injury. Neither he nor rookie right end Michael Mayer (toe) practiced Wednesday or Thursday. Mayer is out, and Jacobs is listed as doubtful.
The news is a little better for the Colts, who were without top wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (shoulder/concussion) and running back Zack Moss (arm) last week. Both players got in limited practices to kick off the week, but Pittman was upgraded to a full participant Thursday and will play barring a setback. Moss is out again.
Start of the Week
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: White has been excellent in Jacobs' stead the past two weeks, and whoever is the Raiders' lead back Sunday will face a Colts team allowing the third-most PPR points to running backs this season.
Sit of the Week
Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,400]: A bottom-10 matchup for receivers may not even be Adams' biggest problem this week. The Raiders had 62 passing yards a week ago and didn't attempt a pass after the first quarter.
Sleeper
Las Vegas Raiders Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: The Raiders have been the hottest defense in fantasy, scoring a pair of touchdowns in back-to-back games. Sometimes, the wisest course of action for fantasy managers is to ride the hot hand.
Stat to Know
42.9. Aidan O'Connell's completion percentage in last week's dismal statistical showing against the Chiefs. Granted, the week before O'Connell threw four touchdown passes against the Chargers, but it's become plainly evident that O'Connell is a limited talent who has trouble against even average defenses. The Raiders passing game (and its pass-catchers) have become very difficult for fantasy managers to trust—especially in a must-win week.
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
8 of 16
Key Injuries
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a free-fall, and they will play a must-win game without their star quarterback. Trevor Lawrence has a sprained throwing shoulder and will miss the first start of his career. Wide receiver Zay Jones was also limited all week with hamstring and knee issues.
The Carolina Panthers are relatively healthy headed into the week, although No. 1 running back Chuba Hubbard was limited Wednesday and Thursday with a sore hammy before getting off the injury report Friday.
Start of the Week
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,200]: Etienne all but vanished from last week's lopsided loss to Tampa, although he has an excellent chance to rebound Sunday against a Panthers defense giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Sit of the Week
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Lawrence is QB18 over the past three weeks. Even if he does gut it out, it will be with a bum right arm (you know, the one he throws with), the Panthers are a bottom-five fantasy matchup for opposing quarterbacks.
Sleeper
DJ Chark Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: Chark's 6/98/2 line on nine targets last week was easily his best game of the season. The Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.
Stat to Know
Zero. That's how many 200-yard passing games Panthers quarterback Bryce Young had since October before throwing for a career-high 312 yards and two scores last week against the Green Bay Packers. It was the first time in Young's career he threw for 250 yards in a game, and just the second time he threw multiple touchdown passes. Perhaps it was a step in the right direction. But there are still not many passing "attacks" in the league less exciting than Carolina.
Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants
9 of 16
Key Injuries
The Los Angeles Rams are one of the league's bigger surprises in 2023, and as they continue their unlikely push for a postseason spot Sunday in New York, they will do so with a roster that doesn't have any fantasy-relevant injuries on offense.
The Giants are not going to the playoffs, however—and they do have injuries. Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (quad), tight end Darren Waller (knee) and running back Saquon Barkley (elbow) were all limited participants in Wednesday's practice. However, all three came off Thursday's report, so fantasy managers can take a breath.
Start of the Week
Darren Waller, TE, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Waller woke up last week when quarterback Tyrod Taylor took over for Tommy DeVito. With Taylor slated to start Sunday, if Waller plays, he's a solid start against a Rams team allowing the sixth-most PPR points to tight ends.
Sit of the Week
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: The notion of sitting Barkley in a championship game likely strikes many as a non-starter. But Barkley's not 100 percent and faces a Rams team giving up the third-fewest PPR points to running backs.
Sleeper
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Robinson has quietly found the end zone in each of the last four games. The Giants have surrendered the sixth-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.
Stat to Know
1,057. That's how many rushing yards Kyren Williams of the Rams has, which trails only Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers this season. Proponents of the "Zero RB" draft strategy have pointed to Williams as validation in 2023, but the reality is that "Robust RB" adherents can do the exact same thing with Williams' teammate Puka Nacua.
There's more than one way to build the proverbial mousetrap, kids.
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
10 of 16
Key Injuries
The Arizona Cardinals could be short a pair of big names Sunday in Philadelphia. Wide receiver Marquise Brown is headed to injured reserve with a heel injury, while quarterback Kyler Murray has been battling an illness all week
As the Eagles march toward a second straight NFC East title, the defense has been hit with its share of injuries. But at the moment, the offense is at relatively full strength.
Start of the Week
D'Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Swift's 20/95/1 line on the ground last week was his best game running the ball since September. Now he gets to face an Arizona run defense that has allowed a whopping 147 yards per game on the ground—most in the NFL.
Sit of the Week
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Conner has been solid of late, including 112 total yards and a touchdown last week against the Bears. But the Eagles are 29th in PPR points allowed to running backs this season.
Sleeper
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: It appears more likely than not that Brown will sit again with that heel injury. Dortch has found the end zone twice in the last month, including last week. And no team has allowed more PPR points to wideouts in 2023 than the Eagles.
Stat to Know
250.8. The number of passing yards per game the Eagles have surrendered this season. That ranks 27th in the NFL, and there doesn't appear an easy fix to the issue. The pass rush isn't getting home as regularly as a year ago. The cornerbacks outside Darius Slay are a liability. The linebackers are equal parts banged up and mediocre. The reality is that this iteration of the Eagles pass defense might just be, well, bad.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11 of 16
Key Injuries
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for this critical NFC South showdown, they do so with a banged-up No. 1 wideout. Chris Olave is battling an ankle injury, but he got in a limited practice Wednesday and Thursday and is off the injury report. Running back Alvin Kamara also missed practice Friday with an illness and is questionable.
The division-leading Buccaneers are in better shape—there are no fantasy-relevant players listed on the injury report.
Start of the Week
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Carr topped 300 yards last week against the Rams and has three touchdown passes in each of the last two games. The Buccaneers have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Sit of the Week
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,600]: White's success this season has had more to do with volume (especially in the passing game) than per-touch effectiveness. The sledding won't be easy Sunday against the Saints, who are 25th in fantasy points allowed to running backs.
Sleeper
Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Much like many deep-threat wide receivers, Shaheed can be a boom/bust fantasy option. This could be a "boom" week against Tampa's NFL-worst pass defense.
Stat to Know
96.2. That's Baker Mayfield's passer rating this season, which is a career high. Mayfield has hardly been flawless, but over Tampa's four-game winning streak, he has nine touchdown passes against just one interception and ranks fourth among all quarterbacks in fantasy points. This week will be Mayfield's stiffest test in a while, though—the Saints are seventh in pass defense and 26th in fantasy points given up to quarterbacks this year.
San Francisco 49ers at Washington Commanders
12 of 16
Key Injuries
The San Francisco 49ers travel to Washington with one injury towering above the rest. After throwing four interceptions last week against the Ravens, quarterback Brock Purdy was forced from the game with a shoulder injury. However, his Week 17 status isn't believed to be in question. Neither is wide receiver Deebo Samuel's—although he was limited in practice with a sprained neck.
The Commanders have been all kinds of beat up in the backfield, but there's some room for optimism in that regard—running back Brian Robinson Jr. returned to a limited practice Wednesday and Thursday after missing time with an ankle injury and is off the injury report. There may also be a change at quarterback in Washington—Sam Howell was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett, but Brissett is questionable with a hamstring issue.
Start of the Week
San Francisco 49ers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: The 49ers were just embarrassed at home by the Baltimore Ravens, but they aren't playing the Ravens this week—the Commanders are at or near the top of the league in sacks allowed, giveaways and fantasy points given up to defenses.
Sit of the Week
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: If Robinson is able to play this week, you can throw him in here as well—the 49ers are third in the league in run defense and 22nd in PPR points given up to running backs this season.
Sleeper
Curtis Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: Samuel was a complete non-factor last week after two touchdowns the week before. But hopefully the installation of Brissett at quarterback will help get the Washington wideouts going.
Stat to Know
1,932. The number of total yards that 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has with two games to play. Barring an injury, the 27-year-old will soar past 2,000 total yards, and he has added 21 total touchdowns on the way to being the No. 1 running back in PPR points by a sizable margin. Given the injuries that have befallen Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson and now Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, it's the managers who spent the first overall pick on McCaffrey who appear to have gotten the best value in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks
13 of 16
Key Injuries
The Seattle Seahawks have been dealing with injuries on offense much of the season, and Week 16 is no different. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was limited Wednesday with a knee ailment, while running back Kenneth Walker III sat with a shoulder issue and illness. Smith-Njigba is off the injury report, bur Walker and star wide receiver DK Metcalf (back) are questionable.
The visiting Steelers might be getting starting quarterback Kenny Pickett back—after missing multiple games with an ankle injury, Pickett practiced in a limited fashion this week and is questionable. Running back Najee Harris also got in a limited session Thursday after sitting on Wednesday and is off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Even with a healthy Harris, Warren would have at least had "flex" value against a Seahawks team surrendering the sixth-most PPR points to running backs. If Harris can't go Sunday, Warren's value climbs that much higher.
Sit of the Week
Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Smith hasn't been able to come close to replicating his Comeback Player of the Year numbers of 2022, and the Steelers rank 24th for the season in fantasy points given up to quarterbacks.
Sleeper
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: Pickett's potential return can only mean good news for Freiermuth in a favorable fantasy matchup for tight ends with the Seahawks—last week against the Bengals, Mason Rudolph didn't target Freiermuth once.
Stat to Know
195. The number of receiving yards that Steelers wideout George Pickens had on just four catches last week against the Bengals. Pickens also found the end zone twice, propelling more than a few fantasy managers into the championship game. The good news is that if Pickett returns, he has shown some affinity for targeting Pickens. The bad news is that Pickett isn't going to do it on 60-yard bombs like Rudolph did—that's just not Pickett's game.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
14 of 16
Key Injuries
This matchup of disappointing AFC West teams features a much different quarterback duel than we expected in September. Easton Stick will start for the Chargers in place of the injured Justin Herbert, while Russell Wilson was benched Wednesday in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
No, really. He was.
That isn't the only injury issue facing these teams. Wide receivers Joshua Palmer (concussion) and Keenan Allen (heel) are out for the Bolts, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton (concussion) is sidelined for Denver and Jerry Jeudy (illness) and Marvin Mims (hamstring) are questionable.
Start of the Week
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: With Stidham at quarterback and Sutton looking unlikely to play, the Broncos could lean on the run against a Chargers defense giving up the ninth-most PPR points to running backs.
Start of the Week (Part 2)
Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: There really aren't any bigger names in this game to sit. But there's a pair of running backs who both draw top-10 fantasy matchups who will be relied upon to carry their respective offenses.
Sleeper
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: Jeudy's time with the Broncos is likely coming to an end. But with Stidham under center and Sutton sidelined, maybe Jeudy will get a chance to audition for the NFL's other 31 teams over the next couple of weeks.
Stat to Know
85,000,000. The jaw-dropping dead-cap hit the Broncos would absorb were they to send Wilson packing in the offseason. Has he been what the Broncos expected when they traded all those picks and handed him all that cash? Not even close. Is there anything Denver can do about it unless it somehow finds a team willing to trade for Wilson? Nope. That's what makes this benching so curious. There's no real upside to it.
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 16
Key Injuries
The Cincinnati Bengals were throttled by the Pittsburgh Steelers without their No. 1 receiver last week, and Ja'Marr Chase's status for Week 17 is uncertain at best. He was able to do a little work on the side Wednesday and Thursday, but he was officially listed as a DNP and is questionable after a limited session on Friday.
The reeling Chiefs have their own injury problems. Running back Jerick McKinnon landed on injured reserve with a groin setback. Fellow running back Isiah Pacheco is in the concussion protocol. Wideout Justin Watson missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, but returned Thursday--just in time for running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to suffer the same fate. And oft-injured wide receiver Kadarius Toney missed practice both days with a hip injury and has been ruled out.
Start of the Week
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: The Chiefs desperately need to get the passing game going—especially down the field. That should mean a hefty target share for the rookie in a plus fantasy matchup with the Bengals.
Sit of the Week
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Without Chase, the Cincinnati passing game struggled last week. If he sits again, Higgins will likely see bracket coverage from the NFL's third-best pass defense.
Sleeper
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Edwards-Helaire's "sleeper" status is rather shaky, but it appears he could serve as a three-down running back against a middle-of-the-pack Bengals run defense. His illness admittedly clouds the water here a little though.
Stat to Know
262.5. That's how many passing yards per game Patrick Mahomes is averaging this season. It's at least 20 fewer yards per game than any other year of his career, and over 45 yards fewer per game than the 308.8 yards per game Mahomes averaged in 2022. The Chiefs have struggled mightily throwing the ball down the field. Even tight end Travis Kelce has seen his numbers drop. And for the first time in a long time, it looks like the AFC Championship Game will not be played at Arrowhead this season.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
16 of 16
Key Injuries
It has been several weeks since wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) has so much as practiced, and his Week 17 availability isn't looking good. There were also several players listed as limited through the week—running backs A.J. Dillon (thumb) and Aaron Jones (knee/finger) and wide receiver Jayden Reed (toe/chest). But all three are set to play.
The Vikings have injury issues of their own. Tight end T.J. Hockenson landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Jordan Addison was listed as a non-participant Wednesday before a limited session Thursday with an ankle injury of his own and (noticing a theme?) running back Alexander Mattison's ankle injury earned him a limited tag. Addison carries a questionable tag into the weekend.
Start of the Week
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Doubs is coming off a big game against the Panthers, and with the Packers wideout corps ravaged by injuries, he could see a hefty target share against a Vikings team allowing the eighth-most PPR points to wide receivers.
Sit of the Week
Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: Partly, this is about Mattison's bad ankle. But mostly, it's about the fact that while Mattison was out, Ty Chandler looked more explosive than Mattison ever did this season. At best, he's on the wrong end of a committee backfield.
Sleeper
K.J. Osborn, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: T.J. Hockenson is definitely out. Jordan Addison is the wrong side of questionable. Justin Jefferson will no doubt draw bracket coverage. That leaves Osborn seeing single coverage all game in a contest where the Vikings will need to throw the ball.
Stat to Know
102.9. The number of receiving yards that Jefferson is averaging per game this year. If he hits that average in the last two games of the season, Jefferson will surpass 1,000 yards for the fourth time in as many seasons—an impressive feat given that he missed seven games and has been without quarterback Kirk Cousins for a chunk of the year. Tyreek Hill may be having a monster 2023, but for this analyst's money Jefferson is still the best player at his position in the game.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See DraftKings.com for details.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on Twitter, @IDPSharks.
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