As fantasy football leagues gear up for the championship showdown in Week 17, the stakes have never been higher. This year’s competition brings excitement and tension as teams prepare for one final push for victory. After months of carefully managing rosters and setting optimal lineups, fantasy managers are now faced with crucial decisions that could define their seasons.
In this pivotal week, managers must make razor-thin calls, as each decision could mean the difference between triumph and defeat. Analyzing these “Close Calls” provides insights into closely ranked options and aims to assist competitors in making the right choices.
One intriguing matchup features Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints. Herbert, despite playing with a broken left hand, demonstrated impressive resilience last week against the Dallas Cowboys, completing nearly 80% of his passes and racking up significant yards both through the air and on the ground. Conversely, Shough is riding a wave of momentum after his first 300-yard passing game, ranking highly among quarterbacks over the past few weeks. However, the difficulty of the Chargers’ matchup against the Houston Texans, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, swings the verdict in favor of Shough.
Another compelling Close Call shines a light on running backs Bucky Irving from Tampa Bay and Tyrone Tracy Jr. from the New York Giants. Irving has been consistent with touches lately but has struggled to exceed 75 scrimmage yards. Luckily, he faces a Dublin defense vulnerable to the run, providing an ideal opportunity for a breakout performance. Meanwhile, Tracy has been productive, consistently delivering solid PPR points, capitalizing on a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ultimately, Irving’s team motivation—vying for a playoff spot—gives him the edge in this matchup.
Lastly, wide receivers Michael Wilson from Arizona and Alec Pierce from Indianapolis are facing off in another critical decision. Both players are at the edge of the rankings and present interesting options for fantasy managers.
As the championship game approaches, successful roster management and strategic decision-making in Week 17 will be paramount for those vying for the title. With careful consideration of the matchups and performance trends, managers can navigate these close calls to bring home fantasy glory.