Pigskin Papers: Fantasy Preview Week 17
Another Star is Born in Motown
(Published December 28, 2023, updated for INJURIES and WEATHER on Sunday, December 31, 2023)
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Welcome to Week 17, and the final 2023 installment of my Weekly Fantasy Previews. If you’ve been a regular reader all season, thank you for your patronage and support. If you’re new to the column, I hope you’re enjoying it, and thank you as well. It’s been a fun season, even with all the QB and other injuries, and all the players who’ve been big disappointments. That’s the way it goes in fantasy football sometimes. It won’t stop most of us from coming back for more next season…
If you’re reading this column, you probably made it to your League Championship, which in some cases is contested over 2 weeks. Congrats on getting this far! I’ll try to help you to take home the crown. So for one last time this season, let’s get to it!
*****Still need roster help for the big weekend? See me WEEK 17 WAIVER WIRE COLUMN: waiver-wire-week 17.
Week 16 Stats of the Week:
Every team in the AFC North is above .500.
Lamar Jackson upped his career record as a starter vs. NFC teams to 20-1.
The Ravens are on pace to be the first team since the 1970 merger to lead the NFL in scoring defense, sacks, and takeaways in the same season.
Amari Cooper has recorded at least one 200 yard receiving game for 3 different teams. Terrell Owens is the only other player to accomplish that.
Joe Flacco just threw for 300+ yards in 3 straight games for the first time in his career. Flacco is in his 16th season and has 184 career starts.
The Lions are winners of the NFC Noth for the first time since 1993. The NFL reconfigured its divisions when the league expanded to 32 teams in 2002, so the Lions are champions of the current version of the NFC North for the first time.
The Raiders have recorded 2 defensive TDs in back-to-back games (they’re the first team to do that since 2012). On Monday, they scored defensive TDs on consecutive Chiefs’ snaps.
In their last 3 games, the Las Vegas offense has scored 0, 49, and 6 points.
On Monday, Vegas QB Aidan O’Connell didn’t complete a single pass after the first quarter, in a winning effort.
The Jaguars have lost 4 in a row and are now 6-7 on U.S. soil this season.
Brock Purdy was the bookmakers’ favorite (at -200) to win NFL MVP before the Monday night game. After the game, his odds jumped to +1,300.
Not including the 3 Super Bowls he has competed in, Patrick Mahomes has never played a road playoff game. The Chiefs are currently the AFC’s 3 seed.
The Bengals, who are the defending champions of the AFC North, are 0-5 vs. the division this season.
The Cowboys are now 3-5 on the road, where they average 21.5 points per game, and 7-0 at home, where they average 40 points per game. The ‘Boys will likely be on the road in Round 1 of the NFL playoffs, and beyond should they advance.
Puka Nacua has 4 games this season with 150+ yards from scrimmage, the most ever by a rookie (Ja’Marr Chase and Randy Moss had 3 each).
The Cowboys have lost consecutive games for the first time since the 2021 season.
CeeDee Lamb has scored a TD in 7 straight games.
With Jaren Hall announced as the starter for Mineesota this coming Sunday night, the Vikings will become the 3rd NFL team to start 4 different QBs this season (also CLE and NYJ).
The Dolphins are in the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2000-2001.
*****SUNDAY MORNING INJURY AND WEATHER UPDATE*****
Weather Report: Things look pretty good across the board, especially for late December. ATL@CHI will have temps around freezing, moderate winds, and occasional light snow. A wintry mix is possible for NE@BUF. In both cases, the weather impact should not be too major.
Injury Report: NOTE: Players on IR are not listed unless they’re eligible to return.
OUT: T. Lawrence, R. Stevenson (placed on IR), Z. Moss, C. Rodriguez (placed on IR), R. Dowdle, J. Waddle, K. Allen, C. Sutton, M. Brown (placed on IR), J. Palmer, D. Mooney, JuJu, K. Toney, M. Mayer
DOUBTFUL: J. Jacobs, C. Watson, L. Musgrave
EXPECTED TO RETURN/NO INJURY DESIGNATION: C.J. Stroud, W. Levis, B. Purdy, Brian Robinson, E. Mitchell, J. Reed
QUESTIONABLE/EXPECTED TO PLAY: K. Murray, K. Walker, A. Kamara, I. Pacheco, CEH, M. Pittman, D.K. Metcalf, P. Nacua, Z. Flowers, J. Addison, J. Jeudy, C. Kmet
QUESTIONABLE/NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY: J. Brissett, R. Mostert, Z. Jones, M. Mims
QUESTIONABLE/GTD: J. Chase, D. Wicks, H. Henry
TEAM OFFENSE REPORT: These are the teams with the highest and lowest implied totals for this week.
Top 5: SF (31.5), DAL (29.75), PHI (29.5), BUF (26.25), KC (26)
Bottom 5: NYJ (13.5), NE (14.25), CAR (15.75), LAC (17), ATL (17.75)
TEAM DEFENSE REPORT, FANTASY POINTS ALLOWED:
Top 5 vs QB: 1. NYJ 2. BAL 3. SF 4. CLE 5. CAR
Bottom 5 vs QB: 1. WAS 2. PHI 3. JAX 4. LAC 5. DET
Top 5 vs RB: 1. LAR 2. PHI 3. DET 4. ATL 5. BAL
Bottom 5 vs RB: 1. ARI 2. DEN 3. CAR 4. IND 5. WAS
Top 5 vs WR: 1. NYJ 2. ATL 3. CLE 4. KC 5. CAR
Bottom 5 vs WR: 1. PHI 2. WAS 3. LAC 4. TB 5. DET
Top 5 vs TE: 1. TEN 2. NE 3. KC 4. CLE 5. CAR
Bottom 5 vs TE: 1. DEN 2. CIN 3. LAR 4. NO 5. TB
Week 17 Rides, Fades, and Sleepers
INTRO
For those who are familiar with this column, you know the drill. For everyone else - The Rides, Fades, and Sleepers is an analysis of players that I think are primed for an especially strong or poor performance, in many cases, as compared to consensus expectations. This isn’t a straight-up Start/Sit exercise, and as a general rule, always start your studs. I’ll rarely list the very top options at a position as “Rides” because those players are matchup-proof and are almost always expected to have strong performances, plus you don’t need me or anyone else telling you to start Josh Allen or CMC every week. While this analysis is intended for season-long play, it works for DFS formats too. Half PPR scoring and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) are used for the column.
Each week, I’m picking a Ride of the Week, a Fade of the Week, and a Sleeper of the Week at QB, RB, WR, and TE. The rules: The Ride of the Week can’t be a truly elite option, the Fade of the Week can’t be someone who almost nobody is starting anyway, and the Sleeper of the Week has to be an actual sleeper, from down in the rankings.
The RIdes, Fades and Sleepers had a strong showing in Week 16. Did I have Amari Cooper, Breece Hall, Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, Mike Evans, and Tee Higgins (among others who helped lots of teams to advance) as Rides? You bet I did. Ka-Ching! On the flip side, I had George Pickens and several RBs who had very good days as Fades. You can’t win ‘em all. Still, it was a very solid week and I’ll try to stay hot. You can check my work here: fantasy-preview-week-16 .
*****SATURDAY INJURY AND WEATHER UPDATE*****
Washington Should Provide a Soft Landing From Purdy’s Nightmare Start
QB:
Elite options this week - Allen, Hurts, Lamar, and Dak; the analysis starts below these 4.
Rides and Sleepers:
QB Ride of the Week: Brock Purdy (@WAS). The best way to get the taste of the worst performance of your career (on national TV in prime time, no less) out of your mouth is to play the Commanders. Purdy looked scared and overwhelmed on Monday night in the face of relentless pressure, which is something we hadn’t seen from him before. The 49ers will want to right the ship quickly, and thankfully, they’re going to be facing the NFL’s worst defense. The Commanders traded away their pass rush a couple of months ago, and they’ve allowed the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs and TD passes (33) so far this season. Those numbers are going to look worse after this prolific offense gets through with them.
Other Rides:
Matthew Stafford (@NYG). I’ve been on Stafford for a few weeks now and it’s a ticket that keeps hitting. Over his last 5 games, Stafford has tossed 14 TD passes against just one INT, and he’s the QB2 over that 5 game stretch. Those 5 games included matchups with the Ravens and Browns, which is even more impressive. He’s playing like he did 2 years go, when he led the Rams to a Super Bowl win. Stafford and his red-hot offense get the Giants this week, which is a decent matchup although they have been forcing turnovers.
Patrick Mahomes (vs. CIN). I had Mahomes as a Ride last week and he was anything but. This offense looks broken, and they may be without Isiah Pacheco. No matter. I’ll go back to the well one more time. I foolishly keep expecting the Chiefs to break out of the funk and I’ll be the fool again, as Cincinnati’s reeling defense might be the tonic they need. Mason Rudolph and George Pickens roasted them last week, which may probably put a pin in their season. The Bengals are a bottom 10 unit vs. the pass and are one of 6 teams that’s already allowed 4,000 passing yards on the year. They also defend tight ends very poorly and I think that’s where the damage will come from.
A few other QB1s (those ranked in the Top 15) who I especially like this week include: B. Mayfield (vs. NO), K. Murray (@PHI), J. Fields (vs. ATL, and assuming the weather isn’t too big of an issue), and C.J. Stroud (vs. TEN—Stroud has been lights out at home, where he averages better than 25 FPPG).
QB Sleeper of the Week: Derek Carr (@TB). Carr has heated up at the right time, with 3 TD passes and 20+ fantasy points in each of his last 2 games. Also, Taysom Hill is doing fewer Taysom Hill things lately, and Carr is staying in the game when the team gets into scoring position. This pivotal NFC South game has some sneaky shootout potential. If you’re stuck, you could do worse than Carr. Tampa’s pass defense has been leaky (8th most FPPG allowed to QBs).
Other Sleepers:
Jarret Stidham (vs. LAC). Big news out of Denver: Russell Wilson is being benched for the final 2 games of the season, meaning the Wilson era in Denver is likely coming to an inglorious end after just 2 seasons. Stidham gets the nod, and he will be without the team’s top target in Courtland Sutton. Still, the matchup at home is an excellent one, as the Chargers’ pass defense has been a sieve all season (4th most FPPG allowed to QBs and the second most passing yards allowed). Stidham is auditioning for a role going forward. It’s risky, but if you need a QB2 this week I think you can roll with it.
I don’t like the matchups for many of the lower-ranked QBs this week. I think these QBs can be considered if you need a QB2 in a Superflex this week: T. Taylor (vs. LAR), and if you’re really desperate, B. Young (@JAC).
Fades:
QB Fade of the Week: Tua (@BAL). I’m a believer, and I know that Tua had his most prolific game as a pro at Baltimore last season. But I want no part of this matchup, and especially with the O-Line banged up and Jaylen Waddle unavailable. Could the Ravens have a letdown on a short week, after their massive road win at SF on Monday night? Doubtful, as they can lock up the #1 seed by dispatching Miami. The Ravens’ defense is tops in almost everything, and they’ve allowed the fewest points of any team, the second fewest FPPG to QBs, and the fewest TD passes (15, in 15 games). Hard pass.
Other Fades:
Joe Flacco (vs. NYJ). I’m tempted to just throw the matchup out the window and stick with the red-hot Flacco. I mean, magic is magic, right? But it’s a short week, he could be without Amari Cooper, and the Jets’ pass defense is no joke. They’ve allowed the second fewest passing yards, second fewest TD passes, and fewest FPPG to QBs on the season. And they’ve faced many of the NFL’s best QBs. The Browns will be able to run the ball, and as a result Flacco will likely snap some if not all of his consecutive game streaks of 40+ pass attempts, 300+ yards and 2+TDs.
Other QBs ranked inside the Top 25 that I’m fading this week: T. Lawrence (vs. CAR) [UPDATE, he is OUT, and don’t even think about playing C.J. Beathard, folks), G. Smith (vs. PIT), J. Browning (@KC), and G. Minshew (vs. LV).
Etienne Gets Back on the Trust Bus This Week
RB:
Elite options this week- CMC and K. Williams; the analysis starts below these 2.
Rides and Sleepers:
RB Ride of the Week: Travis Etienne (vs. CAR). It’s been a miserable month for the entire Jacksonville team, and once again it’s unclear if Trevor Lawrence will be able to start. The Jags are desperate to snap their 4 game losing streak, and thankfully, the NFL’s worst team is coming to town. The Panthers have been a very friendly defense for RBs all year. They’ve allowed the 3rd most FPPG and the most rushing TDs and total TDs to the position on the season. Etienne’s last 4 weeks have been bad with just 14, 13, 6, and 3 fantasy points, but the usage is still there and he should bounce back in a big way this week.
Other Rides:
Jahmyr Gibbs (@DAL). Gibbs is ranked as the RB5 this week, so this one is pretty obvious, but there are 2 trends I really like here. The Cowboys have struggled to stop the run during their current 2 game losing streak, and Gibbs is seeing more volume lately. He’s also really good, and has been making NFL defenders look like they’re on ice skates. Gibbs has put up 22 and 23 points in his last 2 games, and where many rookies tend to hit a wall as the NFL season drags past the length of the college season, Gibbs was underused for much of the first 10 games and has fresh legs.
Austin Ekeler (@DEN). Ekeler showed signs of breaking out of his funk last week, with 86 total yards. His best game out of his last 6 (and the only game where he found the end zone) was 3 weeks ago against these same Broncos. That’s not all that suprprising, as Denver has allowed the second most FPPG to RBs on the season. This is a nice spot for one of fantasy’s most disappointing star players of 2023.
Other RBs ranked inside the Top 25 this week (RB1s and RB2s) who I think have a good shot at outperforming are: D. Swift (vs. ARI), B. Hall (@CLE), C. Hubbard (@JAC), J. Conner (@PHI), T. Chandler (vs. GB), and E. Elliott (@BUF).
RB Sleeper of the Week: CEH (vs. CIN, assuming he plays). Right now, CEH is ranked outside the Top 30 RBs for the week, but that will likely change if and when Isiah Pacheco is ruled out. Since Pacheco suffered his concussion on Monday, I’ll bank on him not playing. Jerick McKinnon is on IR, and the Bengals’ run defense has softened up considerably since standout DT D.J. Reader got hurt. In the last 2 games, they’ve given up 24 fantasy points to both Ty Chandler and the Steelers’ RB combo. CEH could be in for a lot of volume in both a favorable matchup and a get-right game for the KC offense. Even if Pacheco gets cleared and plays, I think CEH is Flex-worthy.
Other Sleepers:
Javonte Williams (vs. LAC). It’s been a disappointing season for WIlliams, and maybe he’s the latest evidence that it’s the year AFTER the year after an ACL tear and repair where RBs not named AP come back at full strength. File that one away for the future. Anyway, WIlliams is ranked as the RB30 this week and I think that’s too low. The Broncos are making a QB switch and that should mean more volume for Williams, in a plus matchup against a defense that’s below the league average against RBs in most categories.
Zamir White (@IND). Josh Jacobs is listed as doubtful, so fire up White if you need him. He’s been more than serviceable as the next man up, and it’s a decent matchup.
Najee Harris (@SEA). I never feel good recommending him, but he saw a season-high 19 carries last week and the Steelers’ offense looked much better with Mason Rudolph under center. I don’t know if that trend will sustain, but the Seahawks have allowed the 6th most FPPG to RBs, and the 15 rushing TDs they’ve allowed RBs to score is second most in the NFL.
If you’re stuck at RB this week, here are some RBs ranked outside the Top 30 that I think you can consider plugging into your lineup, if you must: T. Allgeier (@CHI), C. Brown (@KC), K. Gainwell (vs. ARI), and K. Hunt (vs. NYJ).
Fades:
RB Fade of the Week: Derrick Henry (@HOU). Remember when the Texans’ run defense stunk, and Henry vs. the Texans was the biggest and most reliable fantasy bonanza on the planet? As we saw just 2 weeks ago, when Henry ran for 9 yards on 16 carries against this unit at home, those days are over. The Texans have been extremely stingy to RBs of late. No RB has topped 60 rushing yards against them in 5 straight games, and they’ve only allowed 2 TDs to the position in that span. Henry was a Ride for me last week and he hit big, but I’m turning the temperature way down this week, in a tough road matchup.
Other Fades:
Tony Pollard (vs. DET). This game is tricky, because while it’s one of the weekend’s marquee matchups, there isn’t that much at stake for either team. The Cowboys usually roll up a ton of points at home, but Pollard is often left out in the cold. The Lions’ run defense has been a tough unit for most of the season, and Pollard continues to underwhelm. Detroit has allowed the 3rd fewest FPPG and rushing yards to RBs, and Pollard is coming off back-to-back games of less than 8 fantasy points, against other tough run defenses. You probably don’t have a better option, but temper expectations as Pollard keeps proving that he is impossible to trust.
David Montgomery (@DAL). It’s becoming the Jahmyr Gibbs show in Detroit, and he’s even getting more of the red zone and goal-line work, which is bad news for Montgomery managers. The Cowboys have allowed the fewest FPPG to road RBs of any team, and this game is in their building. I’d seriously consider benching Montgomery if you have other options.
Other RB Fades for this week: D. Achane (@BAL, unless R. Mostert is out), G. Edwards (vs. MIA), K. Herbert (vs. ATL), and WAS RBs (vs. SF).
The KC WRs Have Been Awful, With One Exception
WR:
Elite options this week - Jefferson, Hill, Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and A.J. Brown; the analysis starts below these 5.
Rides and Sleepers:
WR Rides of the Week: Deebo Samuel AND Brandon Aiyuk (@WAS). Its a two-fer! Do I think both WRs will totally go off? No, although one of them almost surely will, and I think both should put up WR1 numbers this week, in a get-right game for the 49ers after they took a beat-down on Monday night. See what I wrote above about Purdy and the Washington defense, as that applies here too They’ve allowed the second most receiving yards, TDs, and FPPG to opposing WRs. Fun fact: Deebo is the WR1 over the last 5 weeks.
Other Rides:
Nico Collins (vs. TEN). C.J. Stroud should be back this week, and that’s good news for his top wideout, and the entire offense. The Texans desperately need this game, and I expect them to lean on their best weapon in the passing game. Collins is averaging more than 21 fantasy points in home games this season. Bank it.
Rashee Rice (vs. CIN). The rookie has emerged as Patrick Mahomes’s top weapon. Yup, he is out-targeting even Travis Kelce. He’s got at least 9 targets in 5 straight games, and is the WR7 over that stretch. I do think this is at long-last going to be a big Kelce game, but Rice should eat too. The Bengals’ defense is struggling, and is a plus matchup.
P. Nacua and C. Kupp (@NYG). Another two-fer! It’s actually a little tough to predict which Rams’ WRs will get the bulk of the production each week, and especially with DeMarcus Robinson balling out as well. The entire passing offense is on fire. I like both of the top 2 targets to do some damage this week, although it could be another case where one goes off and the other doesn't. The Giants allow the 7th most FPPG to WRs, and right now, the Rams are getting as much fantasy production from their WRs as any team out there.
Other WRs ranked inside the Top 25 this week (WR1s and WR2s) who I think have a good shot at outperforming are: C. Olave (@TB), D.K. Metcalf (vs. PIT), D. Hopkins (@HOU), C. Godwin (vs. NO), and Z. Flowers (vs. MIA, if he is active).
WR Sleeper of the Week: Romeo Doubs (@MIN). He’s ranked just outside the Top 40 this week and that’s too low. Yes, he’s only topped 5 catches in a game once this season, but he’s the only fully healthy receiver out of the Packers’ top 4 options at the position. It’s a must-win game against a defense that’s tough, but gives up big plays in the passing game. This game has sneaky shootout potential and Doubs has a good chance to add to his impressive TD total (8).
Other Sleepers:
K.J. Osborn (vs. GB). Let’s stay right here, in a game I think will be high scoring. T.J. Hockenson is done for the season and Jordan Addison is iffy for this week. Even if Addison plays, Osborn (who stepped up very nicely last week when those 2 got hurt) has sleeper appeal against a Packers’ pass defense that’s reeling. In recent weeks, they’ve gotten lit up by the likes of Tommy DeVito and Bryce Young.
Here are a number of other WRs ranked outside the Top 30 this week that have appeal as WR3s or flexes: A. Thielen (@JAC), B. Cooks (vs. DET), R. Shaheed (@TB), JSN (vs. PIT), D. Robinson (@NYG), and N. Brown (vs. TEN. And here is a very deep sleeper and DFS play for you: G. Dortch (@PHI). Thank me later.
Fades:
WR Fade of the Week: Garrett Wilson (@CLE). Wilson is coming off of a big game, but that was against Washington, at home. Pretty much any NFL WR can do that. Playing at Cleveland is about as far as you can get from that matchup. The Browns allow the 3rd fewest FPPG to opposing WRs, and only the Jets have allowed fewer receptions to the position. I think Breece Hall will be their leading receiver in this one, and they’re really going to struggle to score on this defense. The Browns will want to secure the 5 seed, and even have an outside shot at the division, so they do have something to play for.
Other Fades:
Stefon Diggs (vs. NE). Is this the week? Maybe, but if it isn’t, this is a player that could help sink your title dreams. Diggs has been ice-cold for more than a month, and the Patriots aren’t the matchup that I think will bring him out of his funk. Diggs is the WR55 over the last 7 weeks. 55! I know it’s hard to bench him (and let’s be honest, if he’s your WR1 you’ve probably been eliminated already—my condolences), but you have to consider it at this point.
Calvin Ridley (vs. CAR). Why would I fade a guy who just had almost 100 yards and 2 TDs? Easy: Because his QB is out, and because of the matchup. Ridley has been very hard to trust in tougher matchups, and the Panthers are just that. They’ve allowed the 5th fewest FPPG to WRs.
Drake London (@CHI). I’m out on London on the road, always. His home-road splits are among the most stark in the league. Meanwhile, the Bears’ defense has gotten much better as the season has progressed, and since they added DE Montez Sweat. Hard pass.
I’ll fade 2 more guys coming off of very big games: G. Pickens (@SEA), and T. Higgins (@KC). I don’t like either matchup, and think they’ll both quickly come down to earth this week.
More high-end WR Fades: D.J. Moore (vs. ATL), and D. Adams (@IND). You’re almost surely starting them, but buyer beware. Moore is also a concern because of the chance of inclement weather.
Ferguson and the ‘Boys Have Been Beasts at Home
TE:
Elite option - Kelce, Kittle, and LaPorta; the analysis starts below these 3.
Rides and Sleepers:
TE Ride of the Week: David Njoku (vs. NYJ). Njoku has been on fire and is clearly a favorite target of new old QB Joe Flacco (I love a good oxymoron). Njoku has 4 TDs over his last 3 games, and the target volume has been elite. Amari Cooper is a GTD, meaning even more volume could be headed his way. The Jets are a brutal WR matchup, but TEs have done pretty well against them (7th most FPPG allowed). Ride Njoku into your Championship game with confidence.
Other Rides:
Jake Ferguson (vs. DET). I like the matchup, the recent production, and the usage. All of it. the Lions are a bottom-10 unit vs. TEs, and a vulenerable pass defense in general. Ferguson has a decent shot to score this week.
Gerald Everett (@DEN). He’s ranked inside the Top 15 this week for probably the first time this season. With Keenan Allen out, he’s emerged as the favorite target for Easton Stick. He led all Chargers with 7 catches on 8 targets last week and this week the Chargers will be without not only Allen (again), but also Josh Palmer. Even better, they face the single most generous defense to TEs of them all. Denver has allowed the most FPPG and TDs (10) to the position.
More Rides from inside the Top 15 this week: I. Likely (vs. MIA) and T. Kraft (@MIN).
TE Sleeper of the Week: Juwan Johnson (@TB). Johnson has scored in 2 straight games, and with Derek Carr playing much better, he’s an attractive option in Week 17 at Tampa. The way to beat the Bucs is through the air, and they’ve allowed the 5th most FPPG to TEs. Johnson should see a decent target share and especially in the red zone.
Other Sleepers:
Chig Okonkwo (@HOU). It’s tough to trust, and the TD pass he caught last week was thrown by Derrick Henry, but still, the volume and yardage increase over the last couple of weeks is encouraging. Houston allows the 9th most FPPG to TEs, and Chig should again be pretty involved in the Titans’ offensive game plan. The return of Will Levis is probably a plus, too.
Darren Waller (vs. LAR). It’s a risky play, given how his season has gone, but Waller has seen 11 targets over 2 games since his return, and the Rams are a favorable matchup (3rd most FPPG allowed to TEs). I also think Tyrod Taylor is an upgrade that will benefit Waller.
Fades:
TE Fade of the Week: Dalton Schultz (vs. TEN). The Titans finally allowed a Tight End to score last week, but still, they’ve allowed the fewest FPPG to TEs and that makes the usually reliable Schultz a bit of a risky play, even with Stroud returning.
Other Fades:
Dalton Kincaid (vs. NE). He has vanished in the past 2 weeks, much to the chagrin of those who started him in the fantasy playoffs. After 7 straight games with at least 5 receptions, he’s got 1 catch total over the past 2 games. The Patriots are a bad matchup, as they’ve allowed the 2nd fewest FPPG to TEs. It’s hard to trust Kincaid with your season on the line.
Taysom Hill (@TB). Speaking of hard to trust, the Swiss Army Knife has had a really weird season. He didn’t top 8 fantasy points in any of the Saints’ first 6 games. Then, he scored double-digit fantasy points in 3 straight contests. Since then, he’s only cracked 10 points once, and in the last 2 weeks he has .7 points, combined. Not seven, but point-seven. Sigh.
Other TEs I’d try to avoid this week: P. Freiermuth (@SEA), T. Conklin (@CLE), and T. Hudson (@KC).
PK and D/ST Streamers: See my Week 17 Waiver Wire column for a full listing: waiver-wire-week 17.
That’s a wrap for Week 17, and for the season! Thanks again for reading, good luck to all this week, and watch this space for NFL playoff coverage. Now go get that title!
DH
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