Fantasy Football Week 17: Who to Start and Who to Sit
Fantasy football enthusiasts, it’s that time of the week again! As we gear up for another thrilling Sunday of NFL action, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: whom should you start, and whom should you sit? To help you navigate these crucial decisions, we’re here to provide you with the latest updates and analysis as NFL teams release their official inactives lists. Remember, any rankings mentioned in this column are sourced from our ESPN Fantasy staff ranks.
Official Sunday inactives should begin coming in approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.
Refresh often for the latest information.
4 p.m. ET Games
Let’s dive into the 4 p.m. ET games and see which players are in and which are out:
- Jameis Winston, QB, CLE: Shoulder — Inactive/Emergency QB
Impact: Unless Dorian Thompson-Robinson gets hurt, don’t expect to see Winston this week — or next. - David Njoku, TE, CLE: Knee — OUT
Impact: With no practice time this week, Njoku will sit and Jordan Akins will start. - Cedric Tillman, WR, CLE: Concussion — OUT
Impact: Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will be the primary WR options this week. - Christian Watson, WR, GB: Knee — Inactive
Impact: Dontayvion Wicks will be the No. 3 WR for the Packers this week. - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA: Hip — Inactive
Impact: It’s a must-win situation for Miami, but Tyler Huntley will be the guy to get snaps under center. - Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA: Wrist — Active
Impact: He’s been playing through this injury for some time now. - Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA: Knee — Inactive
Impact: There was some optimism he could play, but that clearly isn’t happening.
Sunday Night Game
As we look ahead to the Sunday night game, here’s the latest on player availability:
- Dyami Brown, WR, WAS: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: All hail the “Great and Powerful Oz,” aka Olamide Zaccheaus.
1 p.m. ET Games
Now, let’s rewind to the 1 p.m. ET games and see who made the cut and who didn’t:
- Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR: Knee — OUT/IR
Impact: Either Raheem Blackshear or Mike Boone (or some combination of both) will try to pick up the slack. - Xavier Legette, WR, CAR: Hip — Active
Impact: The current plan is for him to play, but Adam Thielen is still the team’s top WR option. - CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL: Shoulder — OUT/IR
Impact: He will miss the last two games of the season. If you’re not in a keeper league, let him go. - Jalen Brooks, WR, DAL: Knee — Active
Impact: He should get a portion of the targets typically left for Lamb … - Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL: Finger — Active
Impact: … as will Tolbert. Brandin Cooks will be the team’s No. 1 WR option. - Anthony Richardson, QB, IND: Back — OUT
Impact: Could Joe Flacco lead the Colts into the playoffs? Stranger things have happened. - Derek Carr, QB, NO: Hand — OUT
Impact: Spencer Rattler will start in place of Carr. - Alvin Kamara, RB, NO: Groin — OUT
Impact: Kamara could sit out next week as well. Kendre Miller should head a RB committee. - Chris Olave, WR, NO: Head — OUT
Impact: Although he practiced early in the week, there was little reason for the Saints to play him on Sunday. - Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, NO: Chest — Active
Impact: With Olave sitting, MVS becomes the Saints’ WR MVP for Week 17. - Malik Nabers, WR, NYG: Toe — Active
Impact: All signs point to a typical Sunday of action for Nabers. - Davante Adams, WR, NYJ: Hip — Active
Impact: With little left to play for but pride, the fact that Adams practiced at all this week suggests he will play Sunday. - Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI: Concussion — OUT
Impact: Kenny Pickett is dealing with some sore ribs, but he will start in place of Hurts. - Cade Otton, TE, TB: Knee — OUT
Impact: My prediction? Payne (as in Payne Durham, who will start in Otton’s place). - Sterling Shepard, WR, TB: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: There’s no reason to try to figure out who gets the targets left over after Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan have their fill. - Nick Folk, K, TEN: Abdomen — OUT
Impact: Matthew Wright will kick in his place. - Tony Pollard, RB, TEN: Ankle — OUT
Impact: It will be Tyjae Spears early and often in the Tennessee backfield. - Tyler Boyd, WR, TEN: Foot — Active
Impact: Even though it looks like he’ll play, there’s little reason to trust him for fantasy purposes.
As you set your lineups, keep these updates in mind and make sure to check back for any last-minute changes. Good luck, and may your fantasy team bring you victory this week!
Originally Written by: AJ Mass
