Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 17: Examining Fringe Fantasy Football Flex Starters

For fantasy football owners with an extra week to play in the championship round, it's crunch time.

A quality player in the flex spot could tilt the balance in your favor. Don't punt on the position, but feel free to roll the dice with a risky choice.

For managers trailing in their matchups, the flex position is an ideal spot to start a high-risk, high-reward asset to gain an edge. Typically, touchdown-dependent running backs fit the mold and rank higher than score-reliant wide receivers.

At the very least, a running back with high volume could rack up yards, it's much harder for pass-catchers sharing targets among three wide receivers and a tight end.

We'll focus on choosing a versatile running back, an asset that's instrumental on a winning team, and toss in potential plays at wide receiver as well. Good luck to those going for all the glory.

Start 'Em

1. RB, Dion Lewis, New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

2. RB, Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

3. RB, Kenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills

4. RB, Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

5. WR, Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins at New York Giants

Sit 'Em

1. RB, Samaje Perine, Washington Redskins at New York Giants

2. RB, Jay Ajayi, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

3. RB, Lamar Miller, Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

4. WR, Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

5. WR, Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Start 'Em: WR, Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants

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Fantasy owners might have expected to see more from wideout Jamison Crowder after the Washington Redskins allowed two 1,000-yard receivers in Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson walk during free agency. 

Nonetheless, Crowder could finish the season scoring a touchdown in three consecutive games with one against the New York Giants in Week 17. He's hauled in nine catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns over his past two outings.

The third-year receiver logged his best game of the season against Big Blue, catching seven passes for 141 yards and a touchdown in Week 12. Don't expect a repeat performance, but he's a solid WR2 in a winnable matchup. After a surprising 12-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, the Giants have surrendered at least 23 points in each of the following contests.

Sit 'Em: WR, Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

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Two factors work against Mohamed Sanu owners in the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

The sixth-year wideout hasn't eclipsed 40 receiving yards or scored in consecutive games. Quarterback Matt Ryan has plenty of options in the passing attack. 

Secondly, the Atlanta Falcons offense has been inconsistent throughout the year, scoring in bunches at times and leaving points on the field in other contests. The unit averages 16.5 points per game over the past four outings. 

The Panthers have allowed 250-plus yards through the air in each of the previous five contests, but the defense held the Falcons to 17 points in Week 9. Ryan threw for 313 yards, but Sanu only accounted for 23 yards and a touchdown.

In a championship round, try not to rely on touchdown-dependent wide receivers. If Sanu doesn't reach the end zone, he's not going to bring much fantasy value.

Start 'Em: RB, Dion Lewis, New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

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Throughout the season, the New England Patriots backfield frustrated fantasy owners. In Week 17, there's more clarity than ever for this platoon.

Running back Rex Burkhead missed the previous game with a left knee sprain. He's not expected to return to action until the postseason, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport: 

Fellow ball-carrier James White sat out due to an ankle injury and is questionable for the upcoming matchup against the New York Jets.

By process of elimination and a season-best performance in his previous outing, running back Dion Lewis emerges as a must-start player vs. the Jets. He logged 24 rush attempts for 129 yards, both career highs, in Week 16.

As a featured ball-carrier coming off his best, make sure Lewis isn't on the waiver wire or your bench.