Week 17 Kings: QBs & RBs
Week 17 in the NFL, for DFS purposes, can be very tricky. As a rule of thumb it is best to focus on teams and players that still have something to play for. I will do my best to hit on these situations in today’s article.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers ($8,600) – The DET/GB game will determine the winner of the NFC south and a potential first round bye. Rodgers and company will get to play on their home field which gives them a huge advantage over the Lions. Rodgers has scored an average of ten additional fantasy points while playing at Lambeau field opposed to on the road. Additionally, the Lions have a very strong run defense, which makes me believe they will come out with a very pass heavy attack. Rodgers is my number one QB option for week 17.
Matt Ryan ($7,700) – The Flacons have a chance to win their division on Sunday when they play the Carolina Panthers. Ryan has played awesome as of late with four straight fantasy performances of at least 20 fantasy points. Carolina is currently ranked in the bottom half of the NFL at defending the QB positon. Check out the comprehensive listing in the RotoGrinders NFL Defense vs. Position Rankings. Much like Rodgers, Ryan performs better at home in the Falcons’ dome. Ryan is a very solid week 17 option at the QB position.
Russell Wilson ($7,500) – With a win, the Seattle Seahawks will clinch a first round bye for the playoffs. The Rams have really struggled this season against mobile quarterbacks. Wilson exploded for 43.12 fantasy points in his first match-up with the Rams, which included 106 yards rushing and a TD. Wilson’s ability to run creates a very nice floor in terms of his production. He is a very solid options at the QB position for week 17.
GPP
Eli Manning ($7,100) – The Giants obviously have nothing to play for this week, however, something tells me that they will be looking to stick it to the Eagles this week at home. The Eagles have been very vulnerable to opposing team’s passing games all season long. For this reason, I like Eli as a solid GPP option.
Running Back
Le’Veon Bell ($9,500) – He is going to cost you, however Le’Veon Bell is the clear cut number one option at the running back position. The CLE/PIT winner will crowned as the AFC North champion, therefore this game is very important for the Steelers. Additionally, the match-up for Bell is very elite, as the Bengals rank 28th in terms of defensive efficiency against the running back position. If you can fit Bell into your lineups, I’d highly recommend doing so.
Jamaal Charles ($7,600) – The Chiefs have a long-shot chance of making the playoffs; they would need to win and have losses from Houston and Baltimore. The Changers rank right in the middle of the pack in terms of defending the run. This is a home game for the Chiefs and Charles has performed slightly better at home (four most fantasy points per game). Charles is an elite NFL RB and his price is not a true indicator of his talent.
Jonathan Stewart ($5,700) – Jonathan Stewart lands the best possible match-up for a NFL running back. The Flacons rank dead last versus opposing running backs and Stewart has performed quite well recently. Stewart has at least 20 touches in three straight games and has exceeded 23 fantasy point in two of these three contests. With the division title on the line, I expect Carolina to lean on Stewart in this road game.
GPP
LeSean McCoy ($6,700) – LeSean McCoy has certainly been one of the most disappointing NFL fantasy players this season. His inconsistency throughout the season has burned many DFS lineups. With that being said, I think he makes for a very solid GPP play in week 17. We know what the guys is capable of doing, therefore, his current price point offers immense upside for tournament play.