As fantasy football managers prepare for the Super Bowl week of their leagues, the excitement of the championship is paired with a heightened sense of anxiety. Many managers are reflecting on the long journey they’ve had to reach this point, battling through injuries, bye weeks, and difficult lineup decisions. The pressure to make the right choices during this crucial week can be overwhelming. The key to success in fantasy football is to stick with the strategies that got you this far, focusing on the proven players and processes while keeping emotions in check.
This article offers valuable player recommendations for Week 17, providing fantasy managers with insight into which players should be started for the final push toward the fantasy championship. The analysis, based on PPR formats, includes rankings for each position, updated after the Wednesday games.
At running back, there are several standout players to start. Zach Charbonnet will start for the Seahawks due to Kenneth Walker III being out for the game against the Chicago Bears. Charbonnet has been highly productive as a starter, with a remarkable performance in Week 14 when he finished as the No. 1 fantasy running back. Against the Bears, who rank 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to running backs, Charbonnet is a top 12 fantasy RB for Week 17.
also presents a strong start, particularly because the Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. White, who has contributed nine touchdowns and several receptions this season, should be a reliable RB2 option. Similarly, Tank Bigsby and Ameer Abdullah are worth considering for their favorable matchups and recent performances.
At wide receiver, Garrett Wilson stands out as a must-start, with favorable matchups against Buffalo’s secondary. Jauan Jennings and Jayden Reed are also recommended due to their increased targets and favorable matchups. Calvin Ridley, despite a fluctuating season, has solid potential in his matchup against Jacksonville’s defense.
For quarterbacks, Bo Nix and Brock Purdy are the recommended starters. Nix, who has been performing well recently, has the potential for a strong showing against Cincinnati, while Purdy benefits from facing a Detroit defense that has struggled against quarterbacks.
At tight end, T.J. Hockenson and Chigoziem Okonkwo are strong picks for managers looking for production at the position.
Lastly, for defense, teams like Indianapolis, Miami, and Washington present good streaming options based on their Week 17 matchups.
