The fantasy football championship is in full swing with six games being played before Sunday’s action. We have seen monster performances from Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Tee Higgins, and Trey McBride while Cooper Kupp put up a dud. Before Today’s matchups, we will provide an in-depth breakdown of the best start and sit options to help you win the championship this weekend. Let’s look at all the players who made this special edition of the start and sit list.
Quarterbacks
Start
Baker Mayfield (TB)
Baker Mayfield has hit his stride late in the season, with three straight games of at least 25 fantasy points against formidable defenses like the Raiders, Chargers, and Cowboys. Carolina’s defense, which allows the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, presents another favorable matchup. Though Mayfield struggled in his last game against the Panthers in Week 13 (12.2 points), Carolina has since continued to falter, allowing three consecutive quarterbacks to score 22.4 or more points. Mayfield benefits from Tampa Bay’s high team total projection (27.75 points) for Week 17 and a home-field advantage. His consistency and favorable matchup make him a strong bet to deliver a top-12 finish.
Brock Purdy (SF)
Detroit’s potent offense often forces opponents into high-scoring scenarios, which suits Brock Purdy’s fantasy potential this week. Detroit’s defensive struggles have been getting exposed as of late as they have allowed the third-most passing yards and eight touchdown passes since Week 12. They have also given quarterbacks the most fantasy points per game over the last month. Purdy has been a steady option at quarterback this season and has scored over 20 points in two of the previous three weeks. With the Lions’ stout run defense and a potential Week 17 shootout Purdy is a high-upside play.
Sit
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ)
The Jets’ offense faces significant challenges heading into Week 17, including Aaron Rodgers’ MCL injury and the absence of rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu, who was placed on injured reserve. While Rodgers has shown flashes of his former self, delivering QB1 performances in two of his last three games, his 14.8-point outing against the Rams last week underscores his inconsistency. Buffalo’s defense has been tough on quarterbacks, allowing the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game, and they’ll be especially focused on trying to lock up the two-seed down the stretch. Given these factors, Rodgers is a risky option in one-quarterback leagues,
Cooper Rush (DAL)
Cooper Rush has been a reliable fill-in, scoring at least 15 fantasy points in four of his past six games, but his Week 17 matchup against Philadelphia is a daunting one. The Eagles have been stingy against quarterbacks, holding nine of their last 12 opponents under 20 fantasy points. This has allowed the Eagles to rank third against quarterbacks this season and could be looking for revenge after Jayden Daniels torched them last week. The Cowboys’ offense will also be without star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb which will hurt Rush’s value. A tough matchup and no Lamb suggest that Rush should be left on the bench this week.
Running Backs
Start
Bucky Irving (TB)
Bucky Irving has been a consistent fantasy asset, scoring at least 13 points in five of his last six games and exceeding 17 points in four of those outings. His versatility as a runner, receiver, and goal-line threat makes him an elite option. Carolina’s defense is a dream matchup, as they’ve allowed 350 more rushing yards and the most rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. When Irving faced them in Week 13, he exploded for over 180 total yards and a touchdown, racking up 27.5 fantasy points. Fresh off an 18.2-point performance against Dallas in Week 16, Irving is set up for another monster outing with a top-10 upside, making him a must-start in all formats.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG)
Tyrone Tracy’s dual-threat ability as a pass-catcher and rusher makes him a strong RB2 option in Week 17. In his last five games, he’s scored at least 14.5 points in four, bolstered by his connection with quarterback Drew Lock. Over Lock’s last two starts, Tracy has caught nine passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. The Colts, Tracy’s Week 17 opponent, are vulnerable to pass-catching backs and have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. With Indianapolis giving up six RB performances of 12.2 points or more in the last five games, Tracy has a high ceiling this week and is a must-start.
Breece Hall (NYJ)
Breece Hall has been modest since returning from injury scoring 13 points in each of his last two games. Hall’s receiving abilities could shine in Week 17 against Buffalo, a defense that has struggled against running backs. The Bills rank top-two in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns allowed to the position, while also permitting explosive runs at the third-highest rate. Hall has a strong track record against Buffalo, including a 22-point game earlier this season, and has either surpassed 100 rushing yards or scored a touchdown in every career game against them. Hall is a high-upside RB2 this week and will likely cash in on a favorable matchup against the Bills.
Sit
Rico Dowdle (DAL)
Rico Dowdle had a quiet week snapping his three-game streak of at least 112 rushing yards. This week it won’t get much easier in Week 17 in a matchup against the Eagles. Philadelphia’s defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and in their Week 10 meeting, they held Dowdle to just 8.6 points on 56 scrimmage yards. His Week 16 struggles against Tampa Bay (8.1 points on 51 total yards) highlight his struggles against tougher matchups. Dowdle is a risky flex option at best and should be avoided in most leagues.
Jerome Ford (CLE)
Jerome Ford impressed in his first start since Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending injury totaling 131 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Ford has had two big breakaway runs in the last two weeks that have helped him produce solid points in fantasy despite seeing limited work. He is facing a tougher Week 17 matchup against the Dolphins’ who allow the 11th-fewest yards per carry, Ford’s efficiency is unlikely to hold up. Cleveland’s offensive struggles under quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a lack of commitment to the run game further dampen Ford’s outlook. While he has the potential for explosive plays, the overall risk outweighs the reward, making him a sit in most formats.
Wide Receivers
Start
Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel (SF)
The Lions present a favorable matchup for both Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel, as their defense has allowed the second-most yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Detroit’s tendency to play man coverage at the league’s highest rate enhances Jennings’ appeal, given his team-high 139.9 passer rating when targeted in such situations. While Jennings has been quiet in recent weeks, he has also had some monster weeks as well with Samuel healthy. Samuel, meanwhile, is coming off a dominant performance where he tallied 25.1 fantasy points, and has seen his role increase over the last two weeks. In a game where the 49ers could be chasing points, both players have significant upside, with Jennings being the safer, higher-ceiling option.
Terry McLaurin (WAS)
Terry McLaurin has been unstoppable recently, riding a four-game touchdown streak during which he’s scored six times and averaged 77.0 receiving yards per game. His elite connection with Jayden Daniels, posting the highest passer rating between quarterback and receiver since Brady and Gronk in 2012, has been pivotal to his career-best season. McLaurin’s 12 receiving touchdowns have tied a franchise record, a remarkable improvement from his previous career-high of seven in his rookie season. This week, he faces an Atlanta Falcons defense that has allowed 30.9 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, the fourth-most in the league. With the Falcons’ struggles against perimeter receivers, McLaurin is a must-start option in all formats
Jakobi Meyers (LV)
Jakobi Meyers has struggled recently, with his production declining over the past five games and a disappointing two catches for 41 yards on five targets last week. However, he has a strong opportunity to bounce back in Week 17 against the Saints. Over the last eight weeks, the Saints defense has allowed eight touchdown catches and the seventh-most points per game to perimeter receivers, making this a favorable matchup. While Meyers hasn’t found the end zone since Week 8 and has only managed 17 PPR points in his last two games, he previously posted 13.7 or more PPR points in five of six outings. This potential for a rebound makes Meyers a viable flex option in championship week.
Sit
Jerry Jeudy (CLE)
Jerry Jeudy has shown flashes of brilliance when Jameis Winston is under center, but his fantasy value plummets with other quarterbacks. Last week, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback, Jeudy managed just three targets and a disappointing four fantasy points. While he may rebound, trusting him in a crucial championship week matchup is a significant gamble. Compounding the issue is a tough matchup against the Dolphins, who have been elite against receivers this season. Miami’s defense ranks fifth-best in fewest receiving yards, third-best in fewest touchdowns allowed, and fifth-best in fantasy points per game surrendered to wideouts.
Tyreek Hill (MIA)
Tyreek Hill’s fantasy value takes a significant hit with Tua Tagovailoa unlikely to play. In games without Tua earlier this season, Hill averaged just 7.4 PPR points per game finishing as the WR51, WR31, and WR89 had dismal weekly finishes. Hill has not been matchup-proof with Tua in the lineup and has struggled with drops this season. The Dolphins’ will lean on a heavy rushing attack with more Jonnu Smith involved. The Browns’ defense has been better as of late but still is a middle-of-the-pack matchup for perimeter receivers. He’s a volatile WR3 option this week, making him tough to trust in your lineup.
DeVonta Smith (PHI)
DeVonta Smith will be without Jalen Hurts and have Kenny Pickett against a hot Cowboys defense in the fantasy championship. Without Hurts, Smith managed just six catches for 51 yards last week and has struggled in past matchups against the Cowboys. Smith only has a combined career 7 catches against the Cowboys and they come in as the 11th toughest matchup against perimeter receivers since Week 7. While he remains a viable option in deeper leagues, his ceiling and floor take a hit with Kenny Pickett under center. Smith should be avoided in your starting lineups this week.
Tight Ends
Start
Chig Okonkwo (TEN)
Chig Okonkwo has emerged as a top streaming option, seeing an impressive 21 targets over the last two games and catching 17 of them for 140 yards. With Mason Rudolph under center, Okonkwo has become the focal point of Tennessee’s passing attack, serving as the first read on 32% of dropbacks in Week 16. His recent performances (13.9 and 19.1 fantasy points) rank him among the top seven fantasy tight ends in consecutive weeks. The matchup against Jacksonville is enticing, as the Jaguars have allowed the seventh-most yards and are top 10 in fantasy points per game (PPG) surrendered to tight ends. With three tight ends scoring 15.2 or more points against them in the past six games, Okonkwo is a solid TE1 option with significant upside in Week 17.
Sit
Jake Ferguson (DAL)
Jake Ferguson had one of his best performances of the season last week catching 6 passes for 40 yards on 9 targets resulting in 10 points. That marked only the second time since Week 9 that he has scored more than 6.2 points and has averaged right around 5 points during that span. Despite the injury to CeeDee Lamb, I expect another disappointing performance from Ferguson. The Eagles rank 4th against tight ends this season while allowing the second-fewest yards. He’s best left on the bench unless you’re in a very deep league.
Brenton Strange (JAX)
Brenton Strange’s production has been inconsistent since taking over for Evan Engram, as evidenced by his Week 16 performance against Las Vegas, where he managed just two catches for 22 yards and lost a fumble. This followed a standout Week 15 where he caught 11 passes for 73 yards. The fumble this past week caused Strange to be benched possibly hurting his snaps this week. The Week 17 matchup against Tennessee is not enticing as the Titans rank fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Only four tight ends have reached double-digit points against them all season. Given his volatile production, potentially decreased role, and an unfavorable matchup, Strange is a sit candidate in most formats this week.
DEF
Start
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts present a top streaming option for Week 17, despite some recent struggles. They face a Giants offense that has allowed a top-eight fantasy defense in four of the last five games. Whether it’s Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, or Tim Boyle under center, the Colts’ defense is primed for success against a mistake-prone New York squad. Lock alone has taken 11 sacks and thrown four interceptions in his last three starts, making this a highly favorable matchup. The Colts are the number one defensive streamer ahead of championship weekend and should be a high priority on the waiver wire.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins draw a juicy Week 17 matchup against the Browns and struggling quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cleveland’s offense has been abysmal, averaging just 8.5 points per game in Thompson-Robinson’s starts. In his career, DTR is averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, one of the lowest marks in NFL history. He’s taken five sacks and thrown two interceptions in his last outing, and Miami’s defense should capitalize. While the Dolphins have been inconsistent defensively, this matchup makes them a compelling streaming option
Sit
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers defense, once a cornerstone for fantasy managers, has struggled to produce consistent results this season. They’ve reached double-digit fantasy points only twice and bottomed out with a dismal -1-point performance against Miami last week. Facing the high-powered Detroit Lions in Week 17 makes them a risky option. The 49ers will likely be in for another letdown on Sunday and should be nowhere near your lineup.
Green Bay Packers
Despite their recent success, the Packers’ defense faces a tough test against the red-hot Minnesota Vikings offense. Over the past month, Minnesota has allowed just 3.3 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, the eighth-fewest in that span. Sam Darnold has been efficient, throwing multiple touchdowns in five of his last six outings while the ground game has always been effective with Aaron Jones. With limited upside in this matchup, it’s better to stream a defense with a more favorable opponent.
Check out this video for all of your start and sit advice ahead of the Christmas matchups!