Week 17 – Start/Sit Scenarios

Jeff Haverlack

Normally we don’t post separate start/sit articles during the season as our members have come to expect much more individualized lineup advice each week.

For those who are considering a DLF Premium Membership, one of the most enticing in-season weekly articles is just that, our weekly question-and-answer article where members can ask their specific lineup questions and receive direct feedback.  Where most sites still post a one-dimensional ranking of players that lacks any real insightful depth, let alone cater to an individual dilemma a fantasy coach may have, DLF likes to raise the bar of performance AND expectation for our members.  And quite frankly, we at DLF very much enjoy interfacing with our members one-on-one at every opportunity.

Most of you participate in leagues that are already decided with little or nothing left on the line in week 17.  But we know that some of you still have week 17 needs, whether it be for the championship, draft position or perhaps the coveted toilet bowl trophy or tattoo (?).  I’m going to spin you quickly around the league for one last time as we try to sort out some of the tricky situations that could impact your players and teams.  Eliminated teams below aren’t playing for anything but pride so watch the injury reports individually as usual.

Eliminated Teams

Arizona
Baltimore
Buffalo
Carolina
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Denver
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Los Angeles
Minnesota
New Orleans
New York Jets
Philadelphia
San Diego
San Francisco
Tennessee

Playoff-Bound Teams

Only Detroit, Tampa Bay and Washington are playing for their playoff lives at this point.  Most other teams still have something to play for with a few exceptions.

Atlanta

There’s been talk about the Falcons resting some starters but with the #2 seed on the line, they’ll be playing to win.  All your Falcons with the exception of Taylor Gabriel will be good-to-go.

Dallas 

Best to sit the entire starting group this week.  Starters won’t play much, if at all which could provide upside for Darren McFadden if he’s recovered from a late week illness.  Otherwise, stay away.

Detroit

It’s going to be a prime time game between the Lions and the Packers to determine the NFC North.  Both teams will be going full-bore to win this game but the Lions aren’t playing well right now.  Your Lions are “up” if needed in a must-win game to ensure they reach the playoffs.  Theo Riddick is down so it’ll be the Zach Zenner show again.

Green Bay

See “Detroit” above.  A lot on the line and there’s no way players will be rested.  Randall Cobb looks iffy at best and James Starks is out.

Houston

No team is limping into the playoffs more than Houston.  The big news is that Lamar Miller is down again so Alfred Blue is your volume play at running back.  If you’re having to rely upon Tom Savage at quarterback or the disappointing DeAndre Hopkins, good luck.

Kansas City

Still a potential first-round bye at stake.  All the starters should be up and playing.  Watch the Spencer Ware injury.

Miami

Said to NOT be resting any starters.  They’ll be going for the win against the Patriots.  Matt Moore anyone?  No thanks, at least if you have other options.

New England

Still have a lot riding on this game and they need a win.  All your Patriots are playing but watch the Martellus Bennett injury.  Malcom Mitchell is also out.

New York Giants

This is a tough call but it appears that the Giants aren’t going to limp into the post-season by resting their starters.  Beckham-Junior should be in your lineup but there’s no guarantee that he’ll be playing the entire game. Personally, I’d go down swinging with him in my lineup.  Head coach Ben McAdoo says they’re playing everyone to win.

Oakland

A lot on the line playing for the division and home field advantage.  But Derek Carr is done and receiver Michael Crabtree is questionable.  Quarterback Matt McGloin is well thought of and all is not lost here.  If your Raiders are up, they’re in!

Pittsburgh

Nothing to play for in this game so expect the big names to sit out.  There’s some potential in either DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Eli Rogers.  Your best bet is Toussaint as they’ll likely  choose to rest Bell’s primary backup (Williams).  Rogers will be a primary target this week.

Seattle

Playoff seeding is still very much in play here as Seattle tries to best the dismal 49’ers.  Only expect the starters to be rested if they’re up big in the second half, which is very possible.  Thomas Rawls looks like he’ll be a full “go”.

Tampa Bay

One of the few teams with something to play for and they need to win badly.  All your Bucs are in your lineup with further consideration at running back.  Doug Martin is done for the season and Charles Sims is on IR.  It’ll be the Jacquizz Rodgers show and he should be a great volume play.  Tight end Cameron Brate is done for the season.

Washington

Start all healthy players.  Against the Giants this week who have little to play for, the Redskins have everything to gain with a win.  If your ‘Skins are healthy, they’re playing!  You like that!!!

Hope that helps a little bit.  As always, Premium members can still chime in on the Lineup Advice column for this last week for specific advice.  Go get it this week!

Happy New Year all!  Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017.

Follow me on Twitter:  @DLF_Jeff

 

jeff haverlack