Happy championship week! This is the week everyone has been playing for all season long, and it’s important to get roster your decisions correct. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 17.
Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em was about 50/50 on success rates. Starting Jerome Ford and Josh Downs were the best hits, but Gus Edwards exceeded expectations while Jauan Jennings disappointed.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like Lamar Jackson or Tyreek Hill on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 17
Quarterbacks
Start: Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson has scored 15+ fantasy points in four of his last five games since he was benched. He gets a favorable matchup this week against the New York Giants who have struggled a lot this season. Richardson’s dual-threat ability makes him even more of an upside play this week in superflex leagues.
Sit: Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush played well against Tampa Bay in Week 16 despite only throwing one touchdown. However, he has a much tougher matchup this week against the Eagles. He struggled mightily the last time these two teams played and while he may not play as bad as he did in Week 10, Rush should be avoided in Week 17.
Start: Bryce Young
Bryce Young has turned his career around this season and has started to look like the player he was at Alabama. He faces a Tampa Bay defense who was just torched by Rush and the Cowboys through the air. Young has an opportunity to add to his string of big games as a superflex in Week 17.
Read More: Week 17 Quarterback Rankings
Running Backs:
Start: Chase Brown
Chase Brown didn’t find the endzone against the Cleveland Browns, but he still ran the ball for 91 yards. Denver has a better run defense than the Browns, but Brown is dynamic as a runner and a pass catcher. The Bengals will find ways to continue getting him the ball. He projects as a solid RB2 in Week 17.
Sit: Patrick Taylor
Patrick Taylor was less than stellar in his opportunity to be the starting running back. Granted, he only received eight carries, but he didn’t do much with them. The 49ers now face a tough Detroit Lions defense that is sixth-best in the league at stopping the run. If San Francisco has any success on offense, most of it will come through the air.
Start: Zach Charbonnet
Kenneth Walker left the game against Minnesota with another injury, so he may or may not play on a short week. Even if Walker plays, he won’t be at his best. Zach Charbonnet has shown to be an effective rusher when necessary. The Seahawks struggled to run the ball against Minnesota, so Mike Macdonald will want to get the run game going once again.
Read More: Top 10 Dynasty Receivers Heading Into 2025
Wide Receivers:
Start: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t slowed down even without Trevor Lawrence which is surprising. He’s scored 14 or more fantasy points in three of the last four weeks with 10+ targets in every matchup. The Titans defense has been getting torched all season, and the opportunity is there for Thomas to post a big game. He’s a solid WR2 in Week 17.
Sit: DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins has seen his role increase since being traded to Kansas City, but it’s not really clear right now who is the top target in Andy Reid’s offense. With Hollywood Brown returning, things become even more complicated. Hopkins is touchdown-dependent, so he’s not the best option to play even as a flex.
Sit: Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams has been very inconsistent this season, and that’s not the type of player you want to take a chance on in the championship. The Lions love to run the football and should have a lot of success doing that against the 49ers. Williams may catch a few passes, but he’s someone to avoid this week.
Tight Ends:
Start: Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo has developed into a consistent target for the Titans over the last month of football. With Mason Rudolph being an upgrade over Will Levis, Okonkwo’s successes should continue. Okonkwo is better suited for PPR leagues unless he breaks off a big run after a catch. If you need a tight end this week, Okonkwo could be a streaming option.
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Sit: Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet has totaled no more than 26 receiving yards in the last four weeks with the Bears. He’s not even getting the ball thrown in his direction very often which makes it impossible for him to have any fantasy relevance. Caleb Williams will be looking at his three receivers most of the time to get chunk plays. Avoid Kmet unless you don’t have any other options.
Main Photo Courtesy of Bob Donnan – Imagn Images
