The Biggest Start/Sit Decisions for Week 17 (Fantasy Football)
Welcome to the CHAMPIONSHIP edition of the Start/Sit series, where we’ll discuss your most commonly asked “Who should I start?” questions for the week.
The projections between any two players on your roster may appear similar, but this “simple” choice could be the difference between your team’s victory or defeat. Luckily, the Fantasy Footballers have created an amazing Start/Sit tool to easily compare any two (or more) players with insight from the Ballers themselves, and trust me — it’s a precious asset that will help you make these crucial lineup decisions that could ultimately lead you to your #FootClanTitle.
In this article, you’ll find your most popular Start/Sit questions of the week, along with the Ballers’ projections and my personal opinions on the matter. Please note that the Footballers’ rankings are constantly being updated as news breaks, so make sure you check out the tool for yourself to catch any last-second changes.
So, without further ado, let’s kick things off with the biggest Start/Sit questions for Week 17:
QB:
C.J. Stroud (HOU) or Justin Fields (CHI)?
The rookie phenom has looked marvelous this year, so it’s no surprise that C.J. Stroud is the Ballers’ consensus favorite as he makes his return at home despite a tough matchup against the Titans. To be fair, though, the Falcons’ defense is rather stingy themselves, giving up even fewer points to opposing QBs since their bye five weeks ago (12.7 vs. 13.1).
It feels foolish to bench Justin Fields when he’s been on fire lately, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game since returning from injury thanks to nearly 70 yards on the ground each week with a decent chance of running into the end zone. However, his middling arsenal may be further depleted if DJ Moore (ankle) and Cole Kmet (knee) aren’t 100%.
Stroud is set to play in a dome with a higher implied total against a team that is difficult to run against, meaning he’ll have to sling it in order to score, something he’s proven extremely capable of. This makes Stroud the slight favorite this week, but if Field’s weapons have a clean bill of health, then I’d prefer the latter instead.
The Verdict
C.J. Stroud
RB:
Ty Chandler (MIN) or Ezekiel Elliott (NE)?
This one is purely based on matchup. Ty Chandler is the unanimous vote because he gets to face the Packers’ porous run defense that is averaging a TD allowed to opposing RBs each week. He should see elite usage due to positive game script as favorites, although things may be shaky with rookie Jaren Hall under center.
Ezekiel Elliott is another good start for your RB2/flex spot, particularly in PPR leagues. Since Rhamondre Stevenson‘s ankle injury sustained in Week 13, Zeke has averaged 8.3 targets, seven receptions, 42 receiving yards, and 0.7 TDs per game, resulting in 15.7 FPPG. His matchup isn’t awful as the Bills can be run against, but the Packers are just giving it away to RBs, making Chandler the winner.
The Verdict
Ty Chandler
WR:
Demarcus Robinson (LAR) or Cedrick Wilson Jr. (MIA)?
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” — Sun Tzu.
Well, Demarcus Robinson certainly followed this advice as he’s taken a stranglehold on a lead receiving role for the red-hot Rams, despite Tutu Atwell‘s return. Since Week 13, he’s scored a TD each game and is the overall WR9 in total fantasy points. And while we can’t expect his TD streak to continue (especially when considering his lackluster target share), his upcoming matchup against the Giants couldn’t be any easier, and it’s hard to bet against Matthew Stafford‘s gunslinging ways.
Stafford dot and the toe tap from DeMarcus Robinson made quite the highlight.
(via @Subway) pic.twitter.com/ku6pbwvjHx
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2023
On the other hand, Cedrick Wilson Jr. may just now be getting his opportunity with Jaylen Waddle (ankle) likely out. The last time he was inactive in Week 3, it was actually Robbie Chosen who made a splash play on his lone target, though he is currently in concussion protocol and questionable to dress up. Of course, Tyreek Hill will be heavily leaned on, but he’s also hobbled with his own ankle injury. This leaves a path open for Wilson to take advantage of soft coverage as the Ravens’ elite secondary focuses primarily on Reek.
Wilson’s already managed to score twice this season in extremely limited usage, and he saw two more red zone looks last week with Waddle off the field. However, he remains an extremely risky play this week in a difficult matchup and is tough to trust for your championship lineups.
The Verdict
Demarcus Robinson
TE:
Trey McBride (ARI) or Sam LaPorta (DET)?
Both are great starts, but Trey McBride is the clear winner thanks to his softer matchup against a pass-funnel Eagles defense. McBride has been a revelation with Zach Ertz released and Marquise Brown‘s disappearance, and he’s quickly emerged as Kyler Murray‘s favorite target. McB is a recommended DFS DraftKings and FanDuel Cash pick, Jason’s TE Start of the Week, and a contender to finish as the championship week’s TE1.
The Verdict
Trey McBride
D/ST:
Denver Broncos or Los Angeles Rams?
The Broncos/Chargers match has the LOWEST over/under this week with the latter team having one of the lowest implied team totals (16.8). That’s because their offense is in shambles under Easton Stick and they’ll have to face a Broncos defense that is top-five in percentage of drives ending in an offensive turnover (14.0%).
The Rams would have ranked higher if they too were allowed to feast on a shaky rookie, but with a calm and experienced Tyrod Taylor under the helm, it’ll be harder to turn the ball over.
The Verdict
Denver Broncos
Good luck Footclan! Let’s win those titles! If you have any questions, hit me up on Twitter. And don’t forget to tune in to the Sunday Live broadcast where one of the Ballers will answer your last-second Start/Sit questions!
Comments
Start Kamara in tough matchup? Or Singletary and Hubbard my other options
Should I start Higgins or Mostert in my flex. It’s full point PPR league!
I have DK,doubs, Hopkins and Edwards for a flex spot and not sure who to play and I’m also in First place playing for $250.00 n need a lil help if can please
Should I start DK Metcalf