Week 17 Start 'Em / Sit 'Em
**Week 17 Start/Sit Primer:** Championship matchups hinge on key decisions. Monitor **Lions-Cowboys** (shootout potential) and **Bills-Patriots** (weather risk). Cold/windy conditions in Cleveland and New England could limit **Joe Flacco** and **Bailey Zappe**. Injuries loom large—**Keenan Allen** (heel) and **Christian Watson** (hamstring) are risky if active. Prioritize healthy RBs in plus
Quarterbacks
✅ Start 'Em
Jordan Love @ CHI
Why: Start Jordan Love: Bears allow **22.4 PPG to QBs (6th-most)** with **no pass rush (3rd-fewest sacks)**. Love has **8 TDs in last 3 games**—great matchup for another
Baker Mayfield vs NO
Why: Start Mayfield: Saints allow the 3rd-most passing TDs (21), and the dome ensures ideal conditions. He’s been hot (6 TDs in last 3 games)—high-floor QB1 with upside.
❌ Sit 'Em
Geno Smith vs SF
Why: Sit Geno Smith: SF’s elite pass defense (under 200 yards/game) and relentless pass rush make him a high-risk play. Limited upside in a tough road matchup.
Russell Wilson @ BAL
Why: Sit Russell Wilson. The Ravens' elite defense at home has allowed just 12.7 PPG and forced 5 INTs in their last 3 games. Tough matchup, high risk of turnovers.
Running Backs
✅ Start 'Em
James Cook vs NYJ
Why: **Start James Cook:** Jets allow **5.1 YPC (2nd-worst)** and Cook dominates backfield with **70% snaps**. High-volume role + weak run defense = strong RB2 with upside.
Rachaad White @ CAR
Why: **Start Rachaad White:** Carolina allows the most fantasy points to RBs. White is a locked-in workhorse with 20+ touches in 3 straight, including 100+ scrimmage yards in each. Elite volume + matchup.
❌ Sit 'Em
Najee Harris @ BAL
Why: Sit Najee Harris. The Ravens allow the fewest fantasy points to RBs (12.8 per game) and Harris averages just 3.8 YPC. Tough matchup, low upside—bench him for better options.
Tyler Allgeier vs LV
Why: Sit Allgeier—Bijan dominating touches (20+ last 2 games) and LV allows just 3.9 YPC (6th-stingiest). Limited upside in a split backfield vs. a tough run defense.
Wide Receivers
✅ Start 'Em
Mike Evans @ CAR
Why: Start Mike Evans: Carolina’s weak secondary + his dominance (8 TDs in last 6 vs. CAR). Elite WR1 upside in a must-win game. Lock him in.
Calvin Ridley vs IND
Why: Start Ridley: Colts allow the most FPPG to WRs (26.5). Ridley has WR1 upside in a high-scoring matchup with Lawrence back. Expect volume and red-zone opportunities in a must-win game.
❌ Sit 'Em
Romeo Doubs vs DET
Why: Sit Doubs: Detroit allows the 4th-fewest WR fantasy points. Doubs has just 3 games over 10 PPR points since Week 8. High risk, low upside in a tough matchup.
Quentin Johnston @ KC
Why: Sit Quentin Johnston: Inconsistent targets (3 or fewer in 4 of last 5), tough Chiefs secondary allows 5th-fewest WR fantasy points. Too risky in playoffs.
Tight Ends
✅ Start 'Em
Kyle Pitts vs LV
Why: Start **Kyle Pitts** vs. LV—Raiders allow the **2nd-most fantasy points to TEs**, and Pitts has seen **5+ targets in 4 straight games**. High upside in a favorable matchup.
Dalton Kincaid vs NYJ
Why: Start Kincaid: Jets allow 4th-most fantasy points to TEs (8.9 per game). Kincaid has 15+ PPR points in 3 of last 4 games. High-volume role in a tight-end-friendly
❌ Sit 'Em
Tyler Higbee @ SF
Why: Sit Higbee: SF allows fewest fantasy points to TEs (3.8 PPG). Higbee has zero TDs in last 6 games and just 3.8 targets per game. Brutal matchup, low upside.
Hunter Henry vs KC
Why: Sit Henry: KC allows the 3rd-fewest fantasy points to TEs. Henry has just 1 TD in his last 6 games and lacks upside in this tough matchup. Stream a better option.
Defense/Special Teams
✅ Start 'Em
Arizona Cardinals vs CHI
Why: Start Arizona D/ST: Bears allow 3rd-most sacks (52) and turnovers (26). Home matchup favors Cardinals, who have 7 sacks and 4 takeaways in last 3 games. Chicago’s offense is vulnerable.
Denver Broncos vs NE
Why: Start Denver’s defense vs. NE: Patriots rank 31st in PPG (13.3) on the road, with Bailey Zappe struggling (5:6 TD:INT ratio). Broncos at home with strong pass rush (42 sacks).
❌ Sit 'Em
Green Bay Packers @ DET
Why: Sit the Packers D/ST. Detroit’s high-powered offense at home averages 29.3 PPG, and Green Bay’s defense struggles against elite attacks (allowed 30+ in 3 of last 5). Low sack/turn
Washington Commanders @ PHI
Why: Sit the Commanders D/ST. The Eagles' offense is surging (30+ points in 3 straight), and Washington allows the most points per game (30.4). Brutal road matchup with little upside.
🎯 Streamers of the Week
**QB: Baker Mayfield @ NO** - Saints allow 7th-most fantasy points to QBs. Mayfield has 3 straight 18+ point games. **TE: Juwan Johnson @ TB** - Bucs struggle vs. TEs (5th-most FPPG).
⚠️ Weather & Injury Watch
1. **Bills at Patriots (Snow/Wind)** – High winds and snow could limit passing. 2. **Justin Fields (Illness)** – Monitor his status; if out, avoid Bears’ passing game. 3. **Joe Flacco (Calf)** – Limited in practice; check if he starts vs. Jets’ tough
📊 Expert Analysis | Published: June 12, 2025
Start/sit recommendations for Week 17 based on matchups and trends