As fantasy football championship week approaches, managers face critical decisions that could determine their chances for league titles amid a wave of injuries affecting key players. Notably, the quarterback position has been shaken up recently, with Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens leaving their games due to injury.
In Week 17, injuries hit several fantasy cornerstones hard. Cleveland Browns’ running back Quinshon Judkins sustained a severe leg injury in his team’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, while fellow college player TreVeyon Henderson suffered a head injury during “Sunday Night Football” against the Baltimore Ravens. These setbacks have prompted fantasy managers to seek quality alternatives as they prepare for crucial matchups this week.
For those in need of players to start in Week 17, consider the following recommendations:
Quarterbacks:
Baker Mayfield, who has only logged one passing touchdown in five of his last six games, finds himself in a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed significant fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Meanwhile, Tyler Shough has shown promise, scoring at least 17 fantasy points in his last four outings, making him a viable option against the Tennessee Titans.
Running backs:
New England Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson is positioned for a hefty workload if TreVeyon Henderson is unavailable. With the Jets’ defense conceding a league-high 23 total touchdowns to running backs, Stevenson has an excellent shot at a strong performance. Additionally, Keaontay Ingram of the Arizona Cardinals demonstrated his capability by rushing for 65 yards against Atlanta and is set to face a Bengals defense that has allowed the most rushing yards in the league.
Wide receivers:
Deebo Samuel is projected to find ample opportunities even with the Washington Commanders’ uncertainty at quarterback. The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary has struggled, conceding the most receiving yards to wideouts. Parker Washington of the Jacksonville Jaguars also stands out after a solid performance against Denver, benefitting from a favorable matchup against the Colts, who are dealing with injuries in their secondary.
For tight ends, Harold Fannin Jr. of the Browns has been a reliable option, especially against a Steelers defense that has struggled against the position. Lastly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense could be a worthwhile start against Miami, with the expectation that they can capitalize on rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers’ inexperience.
Conversely, fantasy managers should consider sitting the following players in Week 17:
Quarterbacks:
Justin Herbert faces a tough Texans defense that ranks first for fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold has been inconsistent, making him a risky choice against the Panthers.
Running backs:
Isiah Pacheco may not build on his recent performance against the Broncos, who have been tough against catching running backs. Similarly, Rico Dowdle is splitting carries and may not have a high ceiling against the Seahawks.
Wide receivers:
Khalil Shakir has struggled lately, and Michael Wilson’s production is set to drop with Marvin Harrison Jr. expected to return. As for tight ends, Travis Kelce’s effectiveness will likely be compromised with the Chiefs starting a backup quarterback.
In this vital final week of fantasy football, savvy managers will keep a close eye on injury reports and player matchups to make strategic decisions that could define their season. With the right adjustments, many can still pursue the elusive fantasy championship while navigating a challenging landscape of injuries.