Fantasy Football Week 17 Start-Or-Sit

Last week, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s 20-plus point fantasy streak ended against the Atlanta Falcons. Brissett has an excellent bounce-back opportunity this week, however, against a generous Cincinnati Bengals defense. The Bengals are the worst defense in the league in terms of total yardage and points allowed. In a contest that has the makings of a shootout, expect Brissett to return to being the QB he was during that nine-game streak of over 20 fantasy points.

Sit: Aaron Rodgers At The Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers will be without his top wide receiver, DK Metcalf (suspension), in an already difficult road matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers will also be missing Calvin Austin III (hamstring), who would have likely been WR1 in Metcalf’s absence. In Week 16, the Browns continued to show why they are the number one passing defense, holding Josh Allen to just 130 yards through the air. With a tough matchup and depleted weapons, fantasy owners should look for a different option at QB.

Start: Alec Pierce Versus The Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite the QB carousel of sorts happening, Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce has found a way to continue playing consistent football. Pierce has had at least 80 yards or a TD in three of his last four outings. That includes a five-catch, 80-yard performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this month. The Jaguars are arguably the hottest team in the NFL, but they are still vulnerable in the secondary, allowing the ninth most passing yards this season.

Philip Rivers showed last week that there is still some life left in that 44-year-old arm, finding Pierce for two red zone TDs. Pierce, therefore, should be a solid fantasy play in championship week.

Sit: Rico Dowdle Versus The Seattle Seahawks

The early-season magic has worn off for running back Rico Dowdle. Since that 130-yard, two TD game against the Green Bay Packers in early November, he has failed to reach 60 yards on the ground in six straight. Dowdle only has two touchdowns over that six-game span as well, so there hasn’t been much scoring to save those lackluster fantasy performances. Against the Seattle Seahawks’ top-three rushing and scoring defense, it is unlikely that Dowdle will get back on track this week.

Sit: Ladd McConkey Versus The Houston Texans

The last handful of games for Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey have been mostly underwhelming. McConkey has failed to reach 50 yards in five consecutive outings, in an offense where the targets are becoming more diversified. Veteran Keenan Allen and rookie Tre Harris have both seen more looks than McConkey in the last couple of games.

This Saturday, against the Houston Texans’ top-five passing defense, is unlikely to be a get-right-spot. Teams usually struggle to reach 200 air yards or 20 points against Houston, so it will probably be tough sledding for McConkey and all Chargers pass catchers. The second-year man from Georgia cannot be relied on with a fantasy football championship on the line.

Start: Tony Pollard Versus The New Orleans Saints

After failing to eclipse the century mark in the first 12 games, Tony Pollard has now rushed for over 100 yards in three straight contests. Pollard has also reached the end zone three times in his last three games, which is one more than the first 12 outings combined. These feats were against defenses ranked in the top half in yards allowed on the ground, so it is not about easier competition. The Tennessee Titans “do not have anything to play for,” but clearly the team is not aware of that, winning two of its last three games after starting 1-11.

The Titans will host the New Orleans Saints next, who have allowed the tenth-most rushing yards per game this year. While the Saints have defended the run better lately, it has been against teams struggling on the ground, regardless of the opponent. New Orleans will also be without starting defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, as well, which should increase the chances of Pollard having another productive fantasy outing.

End Of My Fantasy Football Rant

It all comes down to this for many fantasy football leagues. After a crazy season where some owners have probably parted ways with half of their roster, the final battle has arrived. Hopefully, this list will ultimately help you recover the money spent on Christmas gifts. Good luck to all this week!