With the fantasy football championship weekend approaching, players are making their final lineup decisions for Week 17. Recommendations this week focus on athletes who may be considered for starting or flex positions rather than established stars.
Among running backs, Ashton Jeanty is highlighted for his favorable matchup against the New York Giants, whose defense has allowed the third-most points to running backs this season. Rhamondre Stevenson could see increased touches as TreyVeon Henderson remains in concussion protocol, facing a New York Jets team that ranks fourth-worst against fantasy running backs. Tony Pollard enters with three consecutive games of over 100 rushing yards and faces the New Orleans Saints.
For those seeking waiver wire options, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is suggested due to his recent performance for the Commanders against Dallas. In the Atlanta Falcons segment, Bijan Robinson is identified as a must-start despite facing a tough Los Angeles Rams run defense.
At wide receiver, Mike Evans is expected to benefit from Tampa Bay’s critical game at Miami, while Stefon Diggs comes off a strong performance ahead of another meeting with the Jets. Jauan Jennings has recorded five touchdowns in four games and will play Chicago this week. Troy Franklin is recommended as a waiver pickup if Pat Bryant does not play.
The Falcons’ Drake London returns from injury and will look to stand out in a prime-time contest against the Rams.
Tight end recommendations include Harold Fannin Jr., who has performed strongly in recent weeks; Juwan Johnson of New Orleans; and Hunter Henry, who has been reliable for Drake Maye in New England. Darren Waller is mentioned as a waiver option after missing an opportunity last week but drawing a favorable matchup versus Tampa Bay.
Kyle Pitts of Atlanta continues to be viewed as a top fantasy tight end option due to growing chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Quarterback suggestions feature Trevor Lawrence at Indianapolis and Brock Purdy coming off last week’s top QB performance ahead of facing Chicago’s defense. Caleb Williams aims to extend his streak of multi-touchdown games against San Francisco. Malik Willis could be an upside waiver addition if Jordan Love is unavailable for Green Bay’s game against Baltimore.
Kirk Cousins represents another potential high-value play for fantasy managers needing quarterback help, especially if the Falcons-Rams matchup becomes high-scoring: “If this game turns into a high-scoring affair, Cousins could have a sneaky big fantasy day, which makes him another great waiver option if you need one. He was the QB 3 in Week 15 and the QB12 last weekend.”
