Nfl Start Em Sit Em Week 17

Alright, so we've officially hit the glorious, nail-biting, holy-cow-is-this-really-happening stretch of the NFL season. Week 17, baby! The fantasy football championships are either in the bag (congrats, you legend!) or completely up in smoke (been there, my friend, been there). But hey, even if your fantasy team is toast, there's still bragging rights on the line. And let's be honest, isn't that what it's all about?

So, grab your coffee, or your, uh, whatever you're sipping on. Let's dive into this week's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em. Think of me as your slightly-less-caffeinated-than-you-are buddy, trying to help you navigate this minefield of matchups. No guarantees, obviously. The NFL gods are fickle, and sometimes your bench warmer becomes a hero. It's part of the magic, right?

First off, a quick PSA: Week 17 is a weird one. Teams are fighting for playoff lives, others are already on vacation mode. Some coaches might rest their stars, others might let them rip to finish strong. So, while I'll give you my best shot, always, always check those injury reports. They're your best friend, your trusted confidant, your ... well, you get it. Don't get blindsided by a surprise inactive.

Quarterbacks: The Playmakers

Let's kick things off with the big guys. Who's steering the ship? Who's going to rack up those sweet, sweet fantasy points?

Start 'Em Quarterbacks

Okay, so you absolutely gotta have Patrick Mahomes in there. Duh. I mean, come on. He's playing the Raiders. The Raiders! They can't stop a nosebleed, let alone Mahomes. Expect another classic Mahomes performance. Get ready for some insane throws, probably a few happy feet in the pocket, and a whole lot of points. If you don't have him, well, you probably lost already. Just kidding... mostly.

Then there's Josh Allen. He's been a bit up and down, hasn't he? But this is Week 17. This is where you unleash the beast. He's playing the Patriots, and while Belichick's defense is usually tough, Allen has a way of just ... breaking it. Plus, the Bills need this win. Expect him to run, expect him to throw, expect him to be an absolute fantasy cheat code. Don't overthink it.

I'm also feeling good about Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are still in the hunt for that top seed, and Lamar is their engine. He's too dynamic to keep down for long. The Dolphins secondary has some holes, and Lamar can exploit them with both his arm and his legs. He's a weekly must-start, but especially in a game that means so much. Think about those fantasy points he can rack up with his scrambling alone!

And for a sneaky good play, consider Dak Prescott. He's been on fire lately, hasn't he? The Cowboys offense is clicking, and they're playing the Lions. The Lions' defense can give up yards, especially through the air. Dak has so many weapons, it's like he's playing with a cheat code himself. He's in a good spot to put up big numbers. Just don't ask me about his playoff record, we're focusing on fantasy here, okay?

Oh, and one more! If you're in a deeper league and looking for a solid QB1, I'm liking Jalen Hurts. Yeah, yeah, I know, he's had some rough games. But the Eagles need this win to secure their division. Hurts can be streaky, but when he's on, he's on. He'll get it done with his arm and his legs. Plus, the Giants have been slumping, and their defense isn't what it used to be. He's a risk, but a calculated one, I think.

Sit 'Em Quarterbacks

Alright, time for the tough decisions. Who are we benching? Who's going to disappoint?

This is a tough one, but I'm leaning towards sitting Justin Herbert. I know, I know, he's a stud. But the Chargers are ... well, they're the Chargers. And they're playing the Broncos. Denver's defense, especially at home, can be a nightmare. Plus, the Chargers' offensive line has been a sieve lately. It just feels like a recipe for a low-scoring, frustrating day. Protect your championship dreams, people!

Another one I'm hesitant on is Geno Smith. He's had a great comeback year, truly inspiring. But he's up against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's defense under Teryl Austin has been surprisingly stout, especially against the pass. They're fighting for their playoff lives, and they'll be bringing the pressure. Geno can get rattled, and I'm not sure he can overcome this matchup. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but sometimes it’s the smart play.

And then there's Aaron Rodgers. I mean, I love the guy, but his team is just ... not great. And they're playing the Bills. The Bills are fighting for everything. Rodgers has limited weapons, and the Bills defense is going to be suffocating. It’s a tough ask for any QB, let alone one with a struggling offense. Might be a good week to explore other options if you have them. No shade, just realism.

Running Backs: The Workhorses

Now, let's talk about the guys who get their hands dirty. The brutal, beautiful grind of the running game.

Start 'Em Running Backs

You absolutely can't bench Christian McCaffrey. Full stop. He's the fantasy MVP, and he's playing the Commanders. The Commanders' defense is ... let's just say it's had its struggles. CMC is going to feast. Expect touchdowns, expect yards, expect him to carry your team to victory. If you're lucky enough to have him, don't even think about it. He's your golden ticket.

Breece Hall is another one I'm all in on. He’s been electric when healthy. The Jets offense has its issues, sure, but Breece is a difference-maker. He’s facing the Browns, and while their defense is good, Hall has the explosiveness to break tackles and go the distance. Plus, if the Jets are trailing, he’s going to get a ton of work through the air. He's a high-upside play with a solid floor.

I’m also liking Austin Ekeler. He’s been a target hog all year, and that’s his fantasy bread and butter. The Chargers are playing the Broncos, and while Denver's run defense is decent, Ekeler’s involvement in the passing game is his safety net. Plus, with Herbert potentially struggling, they might lean on him even more. He’s a PPR machine, and that’s gold in Week 17.

For a value pick with upside, consider James Cook. The Bills are playing the Patriots, and the Bills are going to be fired up. Cook has been more involved in the passing game lately, which is his fantasy sweet spot. He can also break off some big runs when given the opportunity. He’s not a bell-cow, but he can give you solid RB2 numbers with RB1 upside if things break right. He’s in a good offense that’s going to score.

And if you're looking for a touchdown-dependent play with serious upside, check out Rachaad White. The Bucs are playing the Saints, and the Saints defense can be stingy against the run. However, White gets a lot of volume, and he’s involved in the passing game too. If he can find the end zone, he can win you your championship. He’s a high-risk, high-reward guy this week, but I like his volume.

Sit 'Em Running Backs

Time to punt some RBs. Who’s giving me the heebie-jeebies?

I’m going to tell you to bench Travis Etienne Jr.. This is a tough one, because he’s talented. But the Jaguars are playing the Titans. The Titans’ run defense is no joke. They’re one of the best in the league at stuffing the run. Add in the fact that Jacksonville’s offense has been inconsistent, and it just feels like a recipe for a quiet day for Etienne. This is a championship week, so you need certainty, and he’s just not offering enough of it.

Another back I'm a little worried about is Derrick Henry. Okay, hear me out. He's Derrick Henry! But the Jaguars defense has been surprisingly good against the run. And the Titans offense has looked ... well, a bit stagnant. If Tennessee falls behind early, Henry's workload could diminish. I’m not saying he’ll score zero, but I’m not expecting a league-winning performance. He’s a volume play, but that volume might not translate to points against this Jaguars defense.

And a guy I'm absolutely sitting is David Montgomery. The Lions are playing the Cowboys. Dallas has a solid defense, and while Montgomery is a grinder, he's not exactly an explosive playmaker. He relies on volume and touchdowns. The Cowboys can limit those. Plus, with the Lions having other talented offensive players, it’s hard to see Montgomery getting the kind of volume needed to be a reliable starter in Week 17. He’s a touchdown or bust play, and I don’t like those in the finals.

Wide Receivers: The Deep Threats

Let's get to the flashy guys. The ones who can change the game with one catch. Who’s going deep?

Start 'Em Wide Receivers

You have to start Tyreek Hill. End of story. He's the Cheetah. He's too fast for anyone. The Dolphins are playing the Ravens, and while Baltimore's defense is good, no one can contain Tyreek for a full game. He’s a big-play threat every single snap. If you have him, you’re thanking your lucky stars. Expect some ridiculous catches and a lot of yards after the catch.

CeeDee Lamb is another must-start. He’s been an absolute target hog for the Cowboys. He's their number one receiver, and he’s playing the Lions. Detroit’s secondary can be vulnerable, and CeeDee is too good to ignore. He’s going to get a ton of targets, and with Dak slinging it, he’s bound to put up big numbers. He’s a fantasy cheat code.

I’m also feeling really good about Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s Mr. Reliable for the Lions. He gets so much volume, it’s almost unfair. He’s playing the Cowboys, and while Dallas has a decent secondary, Amon-Ra finds ways to get open. He’s a PPR machine and can rack up yardage too. He’s a safe bet for a high-volume day, which is exactly what you want in a championship game.

For a slightly more boom-or-bust play, consider DJ Moore. He's been a bright spot for the Bears, and he's got a favorable matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta’s secondary can give up big plays, and Moore has the talent to exploit that. He can be inconsistent, but when he hits, he hits hard. He’s a good gamble for a championship game if you need upside.

And let’s not forget about Garrett Wilson. The Jets offense is a mess, but Wilson is still an absolute stud. He’s getting targeted like crazy, and he’s making plays with limited help. He’s playing the Browns, and while their defense is tough, Wilson has the talent to break tackles and make something out of nothing. He's a high-volume WR2, and in Week 17, that's valuable.

Sit 'Em Wide Receivers

Alright, time to bail on some guys. Who’s going to let us down?

I’m going to tell you to sit Terry McLaurin. The Commanders are playing the 49ers. San Francisco’s defense is an absolute buzzsaw. They can shut down any offense, and their secondary is elite. McLaurin is talented, but he’s going to be shadowed by some of the best corners in the league. It’s going to be a tough day. Protect your championship, people!

Another receiver I’m hesitant on is Courtland Sutton. The Broncos are playing the Chargers. While the Chargers’ defense isn’t elite, they can get after the passer. Plus, the Broncos’ offense has been sputtering. Sutton is a great red-zone threat, but if the offense can’t move the ball, he’s not going to get many opportunities. It feels like a low-scoring game, and I’d rather have players in a higher-powered offense.

And for a complete fade, I’m sitting Adam Thielen. The Panthers are playing the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s defense has been playing well, and Thielen’s production has fallen off a cliff lately. He’s not getting the volume he once did, and he’s not exactly a big-play threat anymore. He’s too risky for a championship game. Sometimes, you just have to cut bait.

Tight Ends: The Wildcards

Ah, the tight end position. The fantasy equivalent of a coin flip. Who’s got your back?

Start 'Em Tight Ends

You can’t sit Travis Kelce. He's the GOAT. He's playing the Raiders. Enough said. He's a target monster, a red-zone threat, and just an absolute beast. If you have him, you’re probably already celebrating. Expect another dominant performance. He’s as close to a lock as you can get in fantasy football.

I’m also liking Sam LaPorta. The Lions rookie has been phenomenal. He’s a focal point of their offense, and he’s playing the Cowboys. Dallas’s defense can be exploited by tight ends, and LaPorta has the hands and the route-running ability to do some damage. He’s a safe bet for a solid TE1 performance.

For a bit of an upside play, consider Evan Engram. The Jaguars are playing the Titans. Tennessee’s defense is tough against the run, but they can give up plays to tight ends. Engram is a target hog, and he gets a lot of volume in Jacksonville’s offense. If he can find the end zone, he could win you your championship. He’s a volume play with TD upside.

Sit 'Em Tight Ends

Time to punt some TEs. Who's giving me the creeps?

I’m going to tell you to sit Dalton Kincaid. The Bills are playing the Patriots. While Kincaid has shown flashes, he’s been inconsistent lately. Plus, with Dawson Knox back in the mix, Kincaid’s target share can be a bit unpredictable. It’s a tough matchup against a good Patriots defense. I’d rather look for a more reliable option if I have one.

Another tight end I’m hesitant on is Jake Ferguson. He’s been a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys, but he’s playing the Lions. Detroit’s defense has been solid, and while Ferguson has shown red-zone upside, he’s not a guaranteed target hog. Against a tough defense, I’m looking for players with higher volume and more consistent production. He’s a touchdown or bust play, and those are scary in Week 17.

And for a complete fade, I’m sitting Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers are playing the Seahawks. Seattle’s defense has been playing well lately, and Freiermuth has been banged up and inconsistent. He’s just not getting enough volume to be a reliable fantasy starter, especially in a championship game. It’s a tough matchup and he’s just not consistent enough.

Defense/Special Teams (DST): The Unsung Heroes (or Villains)

Let's not forget about the DSTs! These guys can win or lose you a game. Who's going to get the sacks and turnovers?

Start 'Em DSTs

You gotta love the Kansas City Chiefs DST. They're playing the Bengals. Cincinnati's offensive line has been a sieve, and Joe Burrow is out. It’s a perfect storm for a dominant DST performance. Sacks, turnovers, maybe even a defensive touchdown. Lock and load.

I’m also high on the Buffalo Bills DST. They’re playing the Patriots. New England’s offense has been struggling, and the Bills defense is stout. They can get after the passer and have a knack for forcing turnovers. Plus, the Bills will be playing with a ton of emotion. Expect a big game from them.

And for a sneaky good play, consider the Houston Texans DST. They’re playing the Titans. Tennessee’s offense has been inconsistent, and the Texans defense has been playing better lately. They can generate pressure and force turnovers. It’s a divisional game, and those can be unpredictable, but I like the Texans’ upside here.

Sit 'Em DSTs

Time to bench some DSTs. Who’s going to get lit up?

I’m going to tell you to sit the Washington Commanders DST. They’re playing the 49ers. San Francisco’s offense is a machine. They can score points in bunches and don't turn the ball over much. The Commanders’ defense has been getting shredded lately, and this is not the matchup you want for your championship game. Avoid at all costs!

Another DST I’m hesitant on is the Carolina Panthers DST. They’re playing the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s offense, while not elite, is competent. And the Panthers’ defense has been one of the worst in the league. This feels like a high-scoring game where the Panthers DST is going to be on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Just pure pain.

And for a complete fade, I’m sitting the New York Jets DST. They’re playing the Browns. Cleveland’s offense is solid, and while the Jets defense is good, they’ve also had some rough outings. Plus, the Jets offense is so bad, the defense is going to be on the field all game. That’s a recipe for fatigue and potential points allowed. Not worth the risk.

So there you have it! My best shot at helping you navigate the treacherous waters of Week 17. Remember, this is for fun, and also for glory! Don't blame me if your star player gets benched for load management or if a kicker somehow throws a touchdown. The NFL is a wild and wonderful place. Good luck out there, and may your fantasy teams reign supreme!