At long last, it’s championship week (or at least it should be)! You would think that fantasy football leagues would universally conclude at the end of week 17, but unfortunately that isn’t the case sometimes. I can’t confirm or deny ever setting our league’s end date to the last week of the year, but I can absolutely remember a season where Jalen Hurts didn’t play the final game of the season, and I started Tyler Huntley (who put up a donut) and lost the championship. The person responsible doesn’t matter, but who you start this week does!

YAY Quarterbacks for Week 17:

Jacoby Brissett-Arizona Cardinals: @ Cincinnati Bengals

If you had Jacoby Brissett being a low-end QB1 in the fantasy playoffs this year for the Cards on your bingo sheet, let me know the upcoming Powerball numbers please. The journeyman gunslinger has found a home in the desert, and provided managers with 18+ points in all but one of his starts this season (last week vs Falcons). He will likely keep the good times rolling against a porous Bengals secondary allowing the fifth most air yards, second most passing TDs, and sixth highest QBR in the NFL this season.

Baker Mayfield-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: @ Miami Dolphins

Things can’t really get any worse for Tampa Bay this year: their offensive playmakers have been banged up all year, they have lost three straight games, and their defense can’t close out games. With all that being said, you can never count Baker out, and he is positioned for a bounce-back fantasy output against the Dolphins in week 17. Miami is allowing opposing QBs to complete a league-high 71.5% of their passes, while ranking in the bottom ten in QBR allowed, yards per attempt allowed, and passing TDs allowed. With a fully healthy skill position room at his disposal, we may get a classic Baker Mayfield QB1 performance on Sunday.

Nay Quarterbacks for Week 17:

Jared Goff-Detroit Lions: @ Minnesota Vikings

Goff surpassed 30 passing scores for the third straight season this past Sunday, but the Lions fell short due to an interesting sequence of events against the Steelers. He lines up in a must-win game against the top-flight Vikings pass defense in week 17. Minnesota is about as rough as it gets, ranking second in passing yards per game allowed (186) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). The unit is also coming off an absolute shutdown of Jaxon Dart from both a real-life and fantasy perspective, with the rookie scoring -.3 points and throwing for a paltry 33 yards. Goff is always primed to win big games, but it may be more of a ground-centered attack this weekend for the Wild Card hopefuls.

Justin Herbert-Los Angeles Chargers: vs. Houston Texans

The star QB was recently named to the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games and is coming off a whopping 30.2 point output against the Dallas Cowboys in week 16. While he may be riding high entering a crucial match with another AFC Wild Card competitor, the Texans are typically a nightmare for opposing offenses. They have allowed a 17:17 TD/INT split this year, and tied for the lowest yards per attempt at 6.3. Something to important to note though is that Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty just ran rampant on them, racking up 128 rushing yards on over five yards per carry. There’s a strong chance Herbert finds himself in a similar situation as Goff, letting the run game take center stage in this important week 17 bout.

YAY Running backs for Week 17:

Omarion Hampton-Los Angeles Chargers: vs. Houston Texans

We just spoke about being cautious starting his quarterback this week, but are bullish on the rookie to produce in a must-win game for the Bolts. The UNC product has racked up double-digit touches in every game since a return from a lengthy absence three games ago, and looks to have solid momentum carry over against the Texans after the latter’s aforementioned gashing last week. Hampton also flashed as a pass-catcher before going down with his ankle injury, snagging 17 passes over weeks 3 through 5. Consider him a low-end RB1 with upside for more, especially with fellow backfield mate Kimani Vidal day-to-day with a neck ailment and trending towards an inactive designation.

Tyrone Tracy Jr-New York Giants: @ Las Vegas Raiders

The wide receiver convert has notched 14 or more carries in five of his last six games, edging out Devin Singletary in work while putting in solid work as a pass-catcher (multiple receptions in six of his last eight games). He takes aim at a Raiders defense that ranks 24th against running backs in fantasy points allowed and tied for third most ground scores given up with 19. Tracy has also produced 16 or more PPR points in three of his last five games, showing a nose for big sums when needed. Look for him to notch another such game this Sunday in the “Tank Bowl.”

Tony Pollard-Tennessee Titans: vs. New Orleans Saints

In what was starting to look like a lost season for the veteran tailback, Pollard has crossed the century mark in each of the last three games, with zero such games beforehand this year. This locks him in as a shoe-in for yet another 1,000 yard rushing season, as he only needs 51 yards to hit that mark for the fourth consecutive year. Pollard is set to go up against a rising but incomplete Saints squad that sit in the middle of the pack against the run this season, with a fellow rookie QB in Tyler Shough leading them. These circumstances bode well for a favorable game script for Pollard, and as the clear workhorse on his hot streak, is locked in as a solid play in week 17.

NAY Running backs for Week 17:

Breece Hall-New York Jets: vs. New England Patriots

While Hall has maintained lead back status for Gang Green throughout the season, his production has been inconsistent, as game script has worked against him relatively often. Still, he finds himself just inside the top-20 RBs in total points this season. The Jets travel to Foxborough to take on the playoff-bound Patriots as their quest for the AFC’s top seed continues. Third-string QB Brady Cook has taken over as the Jets signal caller, which caps Hall’s upside almost as much as the matchup itself does. The Pats have allowed the least amount of fantasy points to opposing backfields this year. Hall can still be started based off volume alone, but don’t expect a big week from the lead back in week 17.

Rico Dowdle-Carolina Panthers: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Dowdle was looking like THE league winner around midseason, stealing the lead back role from incumbent hometown favorite Chubba Hubbard and amassing three 28+ point outputs between weeks 5 and 9. Since then, however, the former hasn’t topped 20 points once, and has struggled to the tune of a sub 4.0 yards per carry mark in all but one matchup. Tough times might continue for Dowdle, as he faces a stout Seattle defense that has given up only five runs of 20+ yards this season, while allowing the fewest yards per tote in the NFL (3.7). When Dowdle has found success this season, it has been on the heels of elite efficiency and big plays. Since those don’t look like part of this week’s outlook in week 17, the former Cowboy may be in for a dismal showing.

Woody Marks-Houston Texans: @ Los Angeles Chargers

The rookie runner had taken over the lead back role in Houston before suffering an ankle injury in week 15 against the Cardinals. He missed about a game and a half, but lines up to return this week against a relatively strong Chargers front. LA is allowing only 85 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs in 2025, and Marks hasn’t been the most efficient when active, struggling to the tune of 3.5 yards per rush on 167 attempts. The emergence of Jawhar Jordan and return of Nick Chubb further clouds Marks’s outlook as a true workhorse this week, relegating the young USC product to FLEX status.

YAY Wide Receivers for Week 17:

Jakobi Meyers-Jacksonville Jaguars: @ Indianapolis Colts

Since being acquired by the Jags in a deal at the trade deadline, Meyers has slotted in as the top option in his team’s passing attack with six consecutive 6+ target matchups. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been on an absolute heater with eight scoring tosses over the last two games, and overall Meyers has scored in half his games in the Sunshine State. Look for the latter’s string of production to continue against a soft Colts pass defense that just allowed almost 300 passing yards to Brock Purdy, along with FIVE touchdowns through the air.

Justin Jefferson-Minnesota Vikings: vs. Detroit Lions

It still feels weird to put into words that JJ is a reccomended fantasy football option in any format, as he has almost always been a high-end WR1 since he was drafted out of LSU. Things haven’t been pretty this season with Jefferson and the Vikings, but the star receiver posted his highest yardage total since week 5 last week against the Giants (6 receptions for 85 yards). Things could continue to build for Jefferson against the Lions in week 17, as Detroit has allowed a league-high 20 TDs to opposing WRs, including JJ’s most recent trip to the end zone (week 9). He isn’t the 20-point lock that he has been or will be in the future, but the potential hall-of-famer looks to be turning a corner in both real life and fantasy.

Josh Downs-Indianapolis Colts: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The young slot specialist has emerged as veteran QB Philip Rivers’ go-to option, albeit only catching eight balls, through two games. Downs has always been a reliable PPR asset when the volume comes his way, and with a touchdown and a nine-target game over the last couple weeks, he may be in for another safe-floor game in week 17. The Jaguars typically hold receivers to the short area of the field, allowing just 6.41 yards per attempt (fifth lowest in the NFL), but also have allowed the ninth most passing yards per game and second most completions this year. These numbers paired with an offense still putting up solid efforts make Downs a reliable FLEX play for those looking to play it safe, or perhaps fill in for a Rashee Rice or Rome Odunze injury.

NAY Wide Receivers for Week 17:

Tetairoa McMillan-Carolina Panthers: vs. Seattle Seahawks

The rookie phenom out of Arizona has put together relatively safe production for fantasy managers this season, failing to reach double digit points on only four occasions. He is following up an impressive 6/73/1 showing against the Buccaneers with a matchup against the pesky Seahawks secondary. While Seattle was just torched for 450 passing yards by Matthew Stafford, that isn’t going to happen every week. They have let up only 20 scores through the air this season, and have been locking down opposing receivers the last month or so (excluding the Rams game). We expect a relatively low scoring game between the two division leaders, and McMillan might suffer because of it.

Devonta Smith-Philadelphia Eagles: @ Buffalo Bills

Smith is only 69 yards from reaching yet another 1,000 yard campaign, but we think it may be tough to get there this week. The Bills are allowing a measly 167.1 passing yards per game, and have been absolutely decimated on the ground this year by opposing offenses. This may lead Kevin Patullo to lean on a run-heavy approach, leaving lesser opportunities for Smith and the other Eagles pass catchers. A splash play isn’t out of the question for the Alabama product, but this may be a bust of a week for Smith.

Xavier Worthy-Kansas City Chiefs: vs. Denver Broncos

The speedster hasn’t had many chances to hit home runs this season, and with Chris Oladokun under center for Kansas City, it’s a safe bet to assume those big plays won’t start in week 17. On top of his offense’s probable shortcomings, Worthy is set to be shadowed by Patrick Surtain II, the best corner back in the league. Nothing is appealing about this matchup at all.

YAY Tight Ends for Week 17:

Harold Fannin Jr-Cleveland Browns: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The rookie-to-rookie connection between Fannin and Shedeur Sanders has produced for the former’s fantasy owners to the tune of 17.05 points per game over the last four matchups. That production should continue in week 17 against the Steelers. While the gold and black have done their part in looking like a Mike Tomlin-led defense in 2025, they are allowing the third most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Combine all of this, and Fannin is locked in as a top-5 play at the tight end position during championship week.

Colston Loveland-Chicago Bears: @ San Francisco 49ers

It seems rookies might be the way to go for fantasy tight ends this week. The Michigan standout is coming off a rough game against the Packers, where he secured only three catches for 30 yards. Better days are ahead for Loveland, and those should return against the 49ers this Sunday night. San Francisco has given up nine scores to tight ends this season, good for fifth most in the league. Rome Odunze is still battling an injury and projected not to play, and Luther Burden is dealing with an ailment of his own. Loveland should be able to take advantage of these circumstances with the red-hot Chicago Bears looking to stay atop the NFC North, and projects as a top-10 play this week.

NAY Tight Ends for Week 17:

Colby Parkinson-Los Angeles Rams: @ Atlanta Falcons

Parkinson looked poised for a massive end to the season from a fantasy perspective, averaging 13.5 points per game between weeks 10 and 15. That all came to a screeching halt last week against the Seahawks, where the veteran logged only two receptions for 21 yards. The sledding doesn’t get any easier against the Falcons on Monday night, as they are allowing only 5.0 points per game to opposing tight ends. Combine this with the fact that red zone stud Davante Adams may be returning, Parkinson is best left on benches this week.

Dallas Goedert-Philadelphia Eagles: @ Buffalo Bills

Not to pile on Philly’s pass catchers, but the Bills are as bad as it gets for opposing tight ends this season. They have allowed only 42 receptions (least), 493 yards (second least), and three TDs (tied for second least) to the position in 2025. Goedert has also been reliant on scoring this year, as 10 of his 57 receptions have been in the promised land. He has produced enough to warrant lineup consideration, but this game has all the makings of dud for the former second round pick.