The fantasy football championships are in full swing, as managers prepare for Week 17 of fantasy football. Sometimes, players who are viewed as fringe starters can produce unexpectedly big performances. These can often make or break fantasy football matchups. Below is a list of players, one from each position, who carry upside this week and can be placed in fantasy starting lineups.
Week 16 Upside Plays provided mixed results. Jerome Ford and Sam Laporta crushed their weekly projections, but Aaron Rodgers disappointed and Christian Watson suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of SNF.
Upside Plays of the Week – Week 17 Fantasy Football
Quarterback – Tua Tagovailoa*
Tua Tagovailoa has been underwhelming for fantasy over the past two weeks. The Dolphins signal caller has only thrown one touchdown in each of the last two contests. Nonetheless, Tua should get back on track in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns defense ranks bottom-ten against quarterbacks this season and are allowing 227 passing yards per game. Tua and the Dolphins are in must-win territory, as they hold a 7-8 record and sit just outside of the playoff picture. Fantasy managers should expect Tua to return to form this week in a favorable matchup.
*Tua is listed as questionable for Week 17, but is expected to play.
Running-Back – Tyjae Spears
Tyjae Spears has been heating up lately. The Titans back has recorded over 20 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks, scoring four touchdowns in the process. Spears has taken full advantage of an ankle injury to lead back Tony Pollard, who has been less effective over the last two games. Spears and the Titans will have a plus matchup against the Jaguars in Week 17. The Jaguars defense has been abysmal all season and are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs. With Pollard listed questionable, Spears may also have the opportunity to assume lead-back responsibilities this week. RB1 volume should launch Spears into fantasy relevance again in Week 17. Managers should consider Spears as a high-upside RB3, dependent on if Pollard is active.
Wide Receiver – Jalen McMillan
Jalen McMillan is in the midst of a late-season breakout. The rookie wideout has finished as a top-20 wide receiver in each of the last three weeks. McMillan has also been a red zone threat, scoring four touchdowns over that span. McMillan and the Buccaneers will face the Panthers in a divisional matchup this week. This game is set up to be a potential shootout, with an over/under total of 47.5. While the Panthers have been solid against opposing receivers, McMillan’s recent production is difficult to ignore. McMillan should be viewed as a solid flex option this week and will continue to operate as the clear number two passing option for Baker Mayfield.
Tight-End – Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft has had volatile fantasy performances this season. The Packers tight end has only one top-ten finish in the last five weeks, as the Packers passing offense has many mouths to feed. Nonetheless, Kraft and the Packers will have an advantageous matchup against the Vikings in Week 17. The Vikings have been a pass-funnel defense all season, allowing nearly 250 passing yards per game. While Kraft has been inconsistent, he has a solid opportunity to finish as a TE1 this week. Fantasy managers should start Kraft with confidence this week against a team he recorded 6-53-1 in Week 4.
Main Photo: Christine Tannous – USA Today Sports
