Week 17 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions to Consider

Week 17 got off to an interesting start with Thursday's tripleheader. During the day's action, the Detroit Lions were eliminated from postseason contention, while the Green Bay Packers locked up a playoff berth.

Many fantasy football managers are currently locked in their own postseason battles, either playing for championship or hoping to make it to Week 18 showdowns.

Naturally, every lineup decision will be important.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the best and worst matchups of Week 17, along with some start/sit advice for point-per-reception (PPR) play.

Start: Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Pittsburgh Steelers' two-back setup is starting to become a problem for opposing defenses. During last week's win over the Lions, Jaylen Warren gashed Detroit on the ground, while Gainwell racked up catches and yards as a receiving outlet.

Both backs should be strong starts this week against a declining Cleveland Browns defense, but Gainwell's usage as a receiver could be the story of the day. The Steelers won't have standout wideout DK Metcalf due to suspension, so expect Aaron Rodgers to do plenty of passing to his tight ends and backs.

Gainwell has already seen seven targets in each of his last three games. He's also topped 16 fantasy points in each of those contests.

The Browns' defense, while stout early in the season, has now surrendered the 15th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Sit: Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

The Carolina Panthers are in an odd position this week. If they win while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose, they'll clinch the NFC South. If Tampa beats the Miami Dolphins, though, Carolina's outcome is largely irrelevant.

Barring a Buccaneers loss, Tampa and Carolina will face off for the NFC South title in Week 18. There's a non-zero chance that the Panthers start sitting key players if their game against a red-hot Seattle Seahawks team starts getting out of hand.

That's only part of the reason to be concerned about Rico Dowdle. The other is a Seahawks defense that has surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season.

Dowdle had some huge games earlier in the year, but he's fallen below 10 fantasy points in two of his last three games. With Chub Hubbard still in the game plan, he may not have the PPR floor to carry him against Seattle.

Start Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Butch Dill

While teams like Pittsburgh and Carolina have something to play for in Week 17, the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans do not. However, both eliminated squads have been battling to carry some momentum into 2026.

The Saints have won three straight and have started to open up their offense around rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. That has aided star receiver Chris Olave, who has topped 20 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks.

Olave should continue having strong fantasy production against a Tennessee defense that ranks 29th in net yards per pass attempt allowed. Injuries in New Orleans' backfield may lead to another pass-heavy approach—Shough attempted 49 passes in Week 16.

Another factor to consider here is that Tennessee is also starting to find an offensive rhythm. This game may become an offensive track meet.

Sit: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Like Dowdle, Buccaneers rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka had some terrific fantasy outings early in the season. However, the Bucs have been in a slump, while their receiving corps has gotten healthier. As a result, Egbuka's fantasy stock has taken a massive hit.

Baker Mayfield is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are both back in the lineup. Over his past six games, Egbuka has only reached double-digit fantasy points once.

Tampa is also set to face a Dolphins defense that has been more susceptible to the run than the pass. Miami has allowed 4.6 yards per carry this season while surrendering the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

It'll be a tough week to trust any of Tampa's receivers, and Egbuka deserves a spot on the bench.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.