Another week, another fantasy spotlight. This week, the focus is on your daily fantasy sports (DFS) teams. If you play DraftKings or FanDuel, you know the struggles of finding the right players to use in week 17. With teams having clinched playoff spots already, a lot of big stars rest. The fantasy spotlight this week will highlight the top must use players that can lead you to big money in week 17.
Week 17 Fantasy Spotlight: DFS Must Use Players
Aaron Rodgers
Salary: DraftKings $7,700 FanDuel $8,800
Right off the bat, we are taking a quarterback playing with the season on the line. Aaron Rodgers has been absolutely unstoppable for the better part of two months and he tops the list of DFS must use players this week. The Green Bay Packers travel to Detroit Sunday night to battle the Lions for the NFC North title. Not only are both teams playing for the division, but depending on if the Washington Redskins beat the New York Giants, the loser could miss the playoffs completely. Since week 11, Rodgers has thrown 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Back in week three he torched the Lions 16th ranked pass defense for four touchdowns. NFL fans around the world are expecting the Packers to go into Detroit and win the division, and based on their history, you should too.
Paul Perkins
Salary: DraftKings $3,400 FanDuel $4,500
So here is a guy that is offering tremendous value in week 17. The New York Giants have locked up the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs and are just awaiting their first round opponent. Head coach Ben McAdoo has already stated that his starters will play and compete although the game means nothing to the Giants in the standings. With that said, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rashad Jennings is very limited, thus opening the door for Paul Perkins. Perkins has already taken on a bigger role in the Giants offense and at times has shown great explosiveness. He has 11 or more carries in each of his last three games and that number will continue to rise in the regular season finale. The Washington Redskins rank 29th against fantasy running backs. Perkins will have plenty of chances to show the coaching staff how valuable he can be in the playoffs. On Monday morning, the price you paid for Perkins will look an utter steal.
Eli Rogers
Salary: DraftKings $4,000 FanDuel $4,700
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the third seed in the AFC playoffs locked up. The “triple Bs” Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will be rested in the game against the 1-14 Cleveland Browns. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley said this week that Eli Rogers will be “the guy” on offense against the Browns. Rogers and backup quarterback Landry Jones have worked together numerous times on the practice field. The two have developed a nice chemistry and against the Browns 31st ranked defense, there will be plenty of chances to hook up. Rogers has become the Steelers number two wide receiver threat behind Brown and made a huge diving catch on the game-winning drive last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Look for Rogers to crack the 100 yard mark and find the end zone week 17.
Travis Kelce
Salary: DraftKings $5,000 FanDuel $6,800
Travis Kelce is coming off a career game Christmas night against the Denver Broncos. The Kansas City Chiefs star tight end hauled in 11 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown. Although the Chiefs clinched a playoff spot, their seeding has yet to be determined. A Chiefs win in San Diego and a Oakland Raiders loss in Denver against the Broncos will give the Chiefs the AFC West title. The above scenario is also the difference between a first round bye and the second seed or being the fifth and likely playing on the road throughout the playoffs. So with that said, Kelce will be playing at full capacity. The Chiefs offense will use their star tight end to expose the Chargers 19th ranked pass defense. Kansas City has is playing for a lot week 17 meaning Travis Kelce should be your top tight end target in DFS.
Tennessee Titans
Salary: DraftKings $2,900 FanDuel $4,600
Picking a defense in week 17 can be very tricky. After much deliberation, the defense of choice for the final week is the Tennessee Titans. The Titans host the Houston Texans who are locked into the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs. So for Houston, there is nothing to play for. While it’s expected that newly mounted starter Tom Savage will play most of the game, we may see Brock Osweiler as well. Despite the crushing loss of star quarterback Marcus Mariota last week the Titans have had a resurgent season. You should fully expect Tennessee to play hard, while looking for their first winning season since 2011.
