As we head into Week 17 of the fantasy football season, key matchups and players are making headlines for fantasy owners looking to win their championships. This article breaks down crucial matchups, standout performances, and fantasy football advice to help guide owners through the final week of the season.
Indianapolis Colts Defense: A League-Winning Option
The Indianapolis Colts defense has emerged as a top-tier option for fantasy owners, especially with a favorable Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. The Colts have been consistently impressive, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring double-digit fantasy points in several of their recent games. With the Giants struggling at quarterback and offensive line, this game presents a massive mismatch for the Colts. As a top-10 defense, they are a must-start for Week 17. If they’re still available in your league, grab them quickly to gain a crucial edge in the fantasy championship.
Rico Dowdle: A Risky Play Against the Eagles
Rico Dowdle has been one of the fantasy surprises of the season, showing solid production and consistency. However, Week 17 presents a tough challenge as he faces the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the toughest defenses against the run. Dowdle has thrived against weaker defenses but may struggle to replicate that success against the Eagles’ formidable defense, which allows the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game. Owners should consider benching Dowdle in favor of a more favorable matchup.
Bucky Irving: The Fantasy Gem to Start
Bucky Irving, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back, has been a standout in fantasy this season, averaging six yards per touch and delivering strong performances week after week. He has an excellent Week 17 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled to stop the run all season. Irving already had a breakout game against Carolina earlier in the year and is expected to deliver another strong performance, making him one of the top running backs to start in Week 17.
Deebo Samuel: A Strong Bounce-Back Candidate
Deebo Samuel’s fantasy season has been inconsistent, but he showed signs of a resurgence in Week 16 with seven catches, 96 yards, and a touchdown. With a favorable matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, Samuel is primed to build on his recent success. The Lions’ defense has struggled with injuries, and Samuel is in a high-scoring game with a 50.5-point total. He should be a key player in fantasy lineups this week.
Courtland Sutton: Bounce-Back Opportunity Against the Bengals
Courtland Sutton had a rough game in Week 16, but he faces a prime bounce-back opportunity in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals’ defense has been one of the worst in the league, allowing the seventh-most passing yards per game. Sutton has thrived against bottom-10 secondaries and should see a high target volume in this matchup, making him a strong start for fantasy owners this week.
Bonus Pick: Diontae Johnson for Week 18
Looking ahead to Week 18, Diontae Johnson could be a valuable pickup for fantasy owners. After being traded to the Houston Texans, Johnson has the potential to become a key contributor with Tank Dell’s injury. The Texans face a weak Titans defense, making Johnson a potential option in deeper leagues or for owners needing to replace Dell in the final week of the fantasy season.
