Week 17 Quick Grades (2022 Fantasy Football Start or Sit Advice)

Welcome to Week 17, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 17 QB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 A+ Josh Allen BUF CIN
2 A Patrick Mahomes II KC DEN
3 A- Justin Fields CHI DET
4 A- Joe Burrow CIN BUF
5 B+ Jared Goff DET CHI
6 B+ Justin Herbert LAC LAR
7 B+ Dak Prescott DAL TEN
8 B Trevor Lawrence JAC HOU
9 B Kirk Cousins MIN GB
10 B Daniel Jones NYG IND
11 B- Gardner Minshew II PHI NO
12 B- Aaron Rodgers GB MIN
13 C+ Tom Brady TB CAR
14 C Mike White NYJ SEA
15 C Brock Purdy SF LV
16 C Geno Smith SEA NYJ
17 C- Deshaun Watson CLE WAS
18 D+ Teddy Bridgewater MIA NE
19 D Mac Jones NE MIA
20 D Sam Darnold CAR TB
21 D Tyler Huntley BAL PIT
22 D Carson Wentz WAS CLE
23 D- Russell Wilson DEN KC
24 F Kenny Pickett PIT BAL
25 F Baker Mayfield LAR LAC
26 F Andy Dalton NO PHI
27 F Davis Mills HOU JAC
28 F Desmond Ridder ATL ARI
29 F Nick Foles IND NYG
30 F Joshua Dobbs TEN DAL
31 F Jarrett Stidham LV SF
32 F Jeff Driskel HOU JAC
33 F David Blough ARI ATL
34 F Malik Willis TEN DAL
35 F Cooper Rush DAL TEN
36 F Jalen Hurts PHI NO
37 F Mitch Trubisky PIT BAL
38 F Taylor Heinicke WAS CLE
39 F Anthony Brown BAL PIT
40 F Brett Rypien DEN KC
41 F Jacoby Brissett CLE WAS
42 F Trace McSorley ARI ATL
43 F Sam Ehlinger IND NYG
44 F Derek Carr LV SF
45 F Josh Johnson SF LV
46 F Joe Flacco NYJ SEA
47 F Bryce Perkins LAR LAC
48 F Matt Ryan IND NYG
49 F Mason Rudolph PIT BAL
50 F Bailey Zappe NE MIA
51 F Case Keenum BUF CIN
52 F Zach Wilson NYJ SEA

Notes

Joshua Dobbs: Dobbs has thrown a total of 17 passes in his NFL career in the regular season, completing 58.8% of them with 2.6 yards per attempt. This is such a small sample that it’s not worth diving into, so let’s look at how he fared this preseason with the Browns. Among 67 quarterbacks with at least 25 dropbacks, Dobbs was 12th in PFF passing grade, 27th in adjusted completion rate, and 40th in yards per attempt. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers by any stretch of the imagination. Dobbs does offer some rushing upside, though. Over his five-year preseason resume, Dobbs has rushed for 6.7 yards per carry (12 attempts) with three rushing scores. The plus for Dobbs is the Dallas secondary has been a shell of their former selves after injuries have left them decimated. Since Week 14, they are 32nd in success rate per dropback, 31st in EPA per dropback, 28th in fantasy points per game, and 29th in yards per attempt allowed to quarterbacks. Dobbs is a basement-level QB2.

Desmond Ridder: Ridder is a low-end QB2. Since Week 15 among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, Ridder has been 34th in PFF passing grade, 33rd in yards per attempt, and 33rd in adjusted completion rate (minimum 20 dropbacks). The plus for Ridder is that the Cardinals’ pass defense has been a pushover, so this could be the week he posts new career highs across the board. That’s a low bar to clear, though, as he’s yet to throw for a touchdown or surpass 250 yards or 7.0 yards per attempt passing. Since Week 11, Arizona has been 25th in success rate per dropback, 18th in EPA per drop back, and 19th in passing yards per game.

Justin Fields: Last week’s dud as the QB25 in fantasy could not have come at a worse time for fantasy managers. This was Fields’ first game outside the top-eight fantasy quarterbacks since Week 5. His seven rushing attempts were his second-fewest of the season. Considering he had 15 rushing attempts (95 rushing yards) in Week 15, this feels like an outlier, so don’t fret in Week 17. His rushing upside is still present. Fields has stepped forward as a passer which is an asset for his weekly floor and ceiling. Since Week 8, he’s 20th in yards per attempt, 14th in passing touchdowns (despite missing a game), seventh in adjusted completion rate, and tenth in big-time throw rate (minimum 100 dropbacks). Detroit can still be torched through the air. Since Week 11, they have been 30th in pass defense DVOA, 28th in success rate per dropback, 30th in EPA per drop back, and 31st in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks. Fields remains a top-five fantasy quarterback.

Jared Goff: Goff at home has been an entirely different beast than Goff on the road. At home, Goff has completed 65.1% (road 63.6%) with a 20:3 touchdown to interception ratio (road 6:4) and 277.1 passing yards per game (road 248.9). At home, he’s averaged 23.9 fantasy points per game compared to 15.4 on the road. If Goff had played all of his games this season at home and maintained that level of production, he’d be the QB4 in fantasy points per game immediately ahead of Joe Burrow (QB23 on the road). Goff arrives home just in time to crush a floundering Chicago secondary. Since Week 11, the Bears have been 29th in success rate per dropback, 29th in EPA per drop back, and 32nd in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks. Goff is a QB1.

Russell Wilson: Wilson faces the same defense that he excelled against in Week 14 this week. The last time against the Chiefs, he tossed three touchdowns with 247 passing yards and 57 yards on the ground to a QB3 finish. Last week showed Wilson is still wrestling with demons as he imploded with three picks and a benching. Wilson is a QB2 that I would only consider for my lineup in a 2QB or Superflex format. The team has stated they will continue to roll him out there this season as the starter, but last week showed that could change any week at the drop of a hat. Wilson is the QB21 in fantasy, ranking 15th in yards per attempt, 25th in fantasy points per dropback, and outside the top 20 in nearly every completion rate metric. Since Week 11, Kansas City has been fifth in success rate per dropback, 11th in EPA per drop back, and sixth in yards per attempt allowed.

Teddy Bridgewater: In limited action this season, Bridgewater ranks 22nd in PFF passing grade, second in yards per attempt, fifth in turnover-worthy play rate, and 35th in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Since Week 11, New England has been 19th in success rate per dropback, seventh in EPA per dropback, 20th in passing yards per game, and 11th in explosive pass rate allowed. With elite pass catchers flanking him, Bridgewater should churn out solid QB2 numbers this week.

Mac Jones: Jones has managed three QB1 weeks this season, with two in his last five games. Since Week 12, Jones has been fourth in PFF passing grade, fourth in big-time throws, and 18th in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Jones’ play has improved when looking at deeper metrics, but sadly it hasn’t translated to fantasy production consistently. Since Week 11, the Dolphins have been Jekyll and Hyde against opposing passing attacks ranking tenth in success rate per dropback and 13th in EPA per dropback while also sitting at 28th in passing yards per game and 20th in explosive pass rate allowed. Jones is a QB2.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 17 WR Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN GB
2 A+ Ja’Marr Chase CIN BUF
3 A+ Tyreek Hill MIA NE
4 A+ Stefon Diggs BUF CIN
5 A+ Amon-Ra St. Brown DET CHI
6 A+ CeeDee Lamb DAL TEN
7 A A.J. Brown PHI NO
8 A Tee Higgins CIN BUF
9 A Keenan Allen LAC LAR
10 A Jaylen Waddle MIA NE
11 A Davante Adams LV SF
12 A- Chris Godwin TB CAR
13 A- Garrett Wilson NYJ SEA
14 A- DK Metcalf SEA NYJ
15 A- DeVonta Smith PHI NO
16 A- Mike Williams LAC LAR
17 A- DeAndre Hopkins ARI ATL
18 B+ Jerry Jeudy DEN KC
19 B+ DJ Moore CAR TB
20 B+ Terry McLaurin WAS CLE
21 B JuJu Smith-Schuster KC DEN
22 B Brandon Aiyuk SF LV
23 B+ Christian Kirk JAC HOU
24 B Mike Evans TB CAR
25 B- Amari Cooper CLE WAS
26 B Zay Jones JAC HOU
27 B Allen Lazard GB MIN
28 B Drake London ATL ARI
29 B- Michael Pittman Jr. IND NYG
30 B- Gabe Davis BUF CIN
31 B- DJ Chark Jr. DET CHI
32 C+ Diontae Johnson PIT BAL
33 C+ Jakobi Meyers NE MIA
34 C+ Jahan Dotson WAS CLE
35 C+ Adam Thielen MIN GB
36 C+ George Pickens PIT BAL
37 C+ Richie James Jr. NYG IND
38 C+ Courtland Sutton DEN KC
39 C Marquise Brown ARI ATL
40 C Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE WAS
41 C Romeo Doubs GB MIN
42 C Isaiah Hodgins NYG IND
43 C Brandin Cooks HOU JAC
44 C Curtis Samuel WAS CLE
45 C Darius Slayton NYG IND
46 C Michael Gallup DAL TEN
47 C Tyler Lockett SEA NYJ
48 C Elijah Moore NYJ SEA
49 C Tyler Boyd CIN BUF
50 C- Joshua Palmer LAC LAR
51 C- Russell Gage TB CAR
52 C Chris Moore HOU JAC
53 C- Rashid Shaheed NO PHI
54 C- Chris Olave NO PHI
55 C- Greg Dortch ARI ATL
56 C- Treylon Burks TEN DAL
57 C- Van Jefferson LAR LAC
58 C- K.J. Osborn MIN GB
59 D+ Corey Davis NYJ SEA
60 D+ Demarcus Robinson BAL PIT
61 D Terrace Marshall Jr. CAR TB
62 D Tutu Atwell LAR LAC
63 D Mack Hollins LV SF
64 D Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC DEN
65 D Alec Pierce IND NYG
66 D Parris Campbell IND NYG
67 D- Noah Brown DAL TEN
68 D- Isaiah McKenzie BUF CIN
69 F Kadarius Toney KC DEN
70 F Hunter Renfrow LV SF
71 F Dante Pettis CHI DET
72 F Randall Cobb GB MIN
73 F Jauan Jennings SF LV
74 F Kendrick Bourne NE MIA
75 F Marvin Jones Jr. JAC HOU
76 F Josh Reynolds DET CHI
77 F Robert Woods TEN DAL
78 D+ Christian Watson GB MIN
79 F Quez Watkins PHI NO
80 F Nelson Agholor NE MIA
81 F Byron Pringle CHI DET
82 F Tyquan Thornton NE MIA
83 F Julio Jones TB CAR
84 F Olamide Zaccheaus ATL ARI
85 F Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN DAL
86 F Jameson Williams DET CHI
87 F Trenton Irwin CIN BUF
88 F Trent Sherfield MIA NE
89 F Phillip Dorsett II HOU JAC
90 F Laviska Shenault Jr. CAR TB
91 F Justin Watson KC DEN
92 F Marquise Goodwin SEA NYJ
93 F Kalif Raymond DET CHI
94 F Velus Jones Jr. CHI DET
95 F Khalil Shakir BUF CIN
96 F DeSean Jackson BAL PIT
97 F Ray-Ray McCloud III SF LV
98 F Jamal Agnew JAC HOU
99 F David Bell CLE WAS
100 F Skyy Moore KC DEN
101 F Brandon Powell LAR LAC
102 F Laquon Treadwell SEA NYJ
103 F Chase Claypool CHI DET
104 F Tre’Quan Smith NO PHI
105 F Sammy Watkins BAL PIT
106 F Steven Sims Jr. PIT BAL
107 F Shi Smith CAR TB
108 F Amari Rodgers HOU JAC
109 F A.J. Green ARI ATL
110 F Marquez Callaway NO PHI
111 F Robbie Anderson ARI ATL
112 F T.Y. Hilton DAL TEN
113 F Braxton Berrios NYJ SEA
114 F DeAndre Carter LAC LAR
115 F Freddie Swain DEN KC
116 F Mecole Hardman KC DEN
117 F N’Keal Harry CHI DET
118 F Zach Pascal PHI NO
119 F Damiere Byrd ATL ARI
120 F Keith Kirkwood NO PHI
121 F Cedrick Wilson Jr. MIA NE
122 F Samori Toure GB MIN
123 F Cole Beasley BUF CIN
124 F Keelan Cole Sr. LV SF
125 F Scotty Miller TB CAR
126 F Dyami Brown WAS CLE
127 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL ARI
128 F Austin Trammell LAR LAC
129 F Lance McCutcheon LAR LAC
130 F Danny Gray SF LV
131 F Montrell Washington DEN KC
132 F Jalen Reagor MIN GB
133 F Brandon Johnson DEN KC
134 F Gunner Olszewski PIT BAL
135 F Marcus Johnson NYG IND
136 F James Proche II BAL PIT
137 F Mike Strachan IND NYG
138 F Jalen Virgil DEN KC
139 F Penny Hart SEA NYJ
140 F Michael Woods II CLE WAS
141 F Michael Bandy LAC LAR
142 F Deven Thompkins TB CAR
143 F Tim Jones JAC HOU
144 F Stanley Berryhill III DET CHI
145 F Braylon Sanders MIA NE
146 F Nsimba Webster CHI DET
147 F John Brown BUF CIN
148 F Miles Boykin PIT BAL
149 F Chris Conley TEN DAL
150 F KaVontae Turpin DAL TEN
151 F Kirk Merritt NO PHI
152 F Racey McMath TEN DAL
153 F Trent Taylor CIN BUF
154 F Tylan Wallace BAL PIT
155 F Tanner Gentry BUF CIN
156 F Kendall Hinton DEN KC
157 F Ihmir Smith-Marsette KC DEN
158 F Kenny Golladay NYG IND
159 F Marcus Kemp KC DEN
160 F Cornell Powell KC DEN
161 F Cam Sims WAS CLE
162 F Frank Darby ATL ARI
163 F Equanimeous St. Brown CHI DET
164 F Dareke Young SEA NYJ
165 F Willie Snead IV SF LV
166 F Jalen Nailor MIN GB
167 F Britain Covey PHI NO
168 F Dax Milne WAS CLE
169 F Denzel Mims NYJ SEA
170 F Stanley Morgan Jr. CIN BUF
171 F Binjimen Victor BAL PIT
172 F Demetric Felton Jr. CLE WAS
173 F Breshad Perriman TB CAR
174 F David Sills V NYG IND
175 F Daylen Baldwin CLE WAS
176 F River Cracraft MIA NE

Notes

Jakobi Meyers: Meyers finally looks fully healthy. Last week he played 100% of the snaps. That’s the first time he’s played more than 62% of the snaps since Week 11. Meyers handled a 25% target share, hauling in six of his eight targets for 83 receiving yards (2.31 yards per route run). Meyers is 26th in deep targets among wide receivers. He’s 11th in yards per route run while also sitting at 22nd in open rate, tied with Tee Higgins. Meyers is a WR4 that will run about 72% of his routes against Kader Kohou (67% catch rate, 84.4 passer rating).

Tyreek Hill: Hill is the WR3 in fantasy with a 33.5% target share (first), 35.8% target per route run rate, and 39.4% air yard share (fifth-best). Hill is second in receptions, receiving yards, and YAC. Don’t get cute and consider sitting Hill with Bridgewater under center. Mike McDaniel could be tossing him footballs under center this week and I’d still be screaming for you to start him. Hill is quarterback proof. He’s a WR1.

Jaylen Waddle: Waddle is the WR11 in fantasy commanding a 22.5% target share and 28% air yard share. He’s 23rd in deep targets but has only eight red zone targets (55th) this season. After a rough patch, Waddle has rebounded with WR10 and WR5 finishes in each of the last two weeks. Waddle is second in yards per route run and 36th in open rate. Waddle is a WR2.

Michael Pittman: Last week, with Foles tossing him passes, Pittman handled his usual 25% target share with less-than-stellar results. He finished with four grabs (seven targets) and 39 receiving yards, but the one silver lining is that his aDOT rose to 10.6 (previously 6.5). The Colts are concentrating on involving him more in the red zone, with four targets inside the 20 over his last four games. Before that, he had just one target inside the 20-yard line in his previous seven games. Pittman remains a volume-based WR3 that will run about 67% of his routes against Nick McCloud (61.8% catch rate, 114.0 passer rating), Cordale Flott (76.5% catch rate, 121.9 passer rating), and Fabian Moreau (62.0% catch rate, 103.7 passer rating). Since Week 11, the Giants have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Isaiah Hodgins: Hodgins has been excelling with every opportunity that he’s earned with the Giants. Since Week 13, he has been 34th in PFF receiving grade, 54th in yards per route run, and the WR16 in fantasy points per game with a 21.1% target share. Hodgins is 22nd in open rate among 81 qualifying wide receivers, tied with Drake London. Over the last four games, Hodgins has seen 100% of the team’s end-zone targets. Hodgins is a WR3/4 that will run about 91% of his routes against Gilmore, Facyson, and Flowers.

D.J. Moore: With Darnold back, Moore has had a 28.9% target share, 50% end zone target share, 61.8% air yard share, and 2.98 yards per route run. In fantasy, Moore has been the WR11, WR93, WR16, and WR11. Moore is eighth in deep targets, 32nd in yards per route run, and 30th in fantasy points per route run this season. Moore is a WR2/3.

Amari Cooper: With Watson, Cooper has a 28.3% target share (eight targets per game) while averaging 53 receiving yards. He has a 57.1% end zone target share and 1.72 yards per route run with Cleveland’s new franchise quarterback. Despite the hefty target volume, Cooper hadn’t even finished as a WR3 until last week (WR30). Cooper has five red zone targets over his last three games. He is the WR19 in fantasy, ranking 13th in deep targets and tenth in red zone targets for the season. Cooper is a WR3 that will run about 75% of his routes against Kendall Fuller (61.3% catch rate, 91.9 passer rating) and Benjamin St.-Juste (53.8% catch rate, 97.9 passer rating).

Donovan Peoples-Jones: Since Week 13, Peoples-Jones has had a 21.2% target share, 35.4% air yard share, and 1.52 yards per route run. He has seen seven of Watson’s ten deep targets (Cooper, three). Peoples-Jones has continued without losing a step since Watson started calling plays with WR28, WR13, WR30, and WR104 finishes. He has three red zone targets over his last three games. Peoples-Jones is a WR4 that will run about 70% of his routes against Fuller and St.-Juste.

Terry McLaurin: With Wentz under center, McLaurin wasn’t utilized as the clear alpha of the passing attack. Wentz looked at him as another cog in the passing machine. McLaurin only had two games with eight or more targets and one WR2 or higher week (WR24). Wentz did look for him near the goal line as he saw five red zone targets. McLaurin already had a tough road this week against a secondary that, since Week 11, has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers. McLaurin is the WR22 overall with the third-most deep targets. He’s a WR3 this week that will run about 78% of his routes against Denzel Ward (60.7% catch rate, 93.7 passer rating) and Martin Emerson (55.7% catch rate, 88.5 passer rating).

Jahan Dotson: With Wentz earlier this season, Dotson was a definite third in line for targets, but he was the preferred end-zone target. Since Week 13, Dotson has been asserting himself with a 25% target share, 50% end zone target share, and 2.83 yards per route run. He’s been a top-20 fantasy wideout in each of the last three weeks (WR18, WR9, WR12). Dotson is a WR4 that will run about 73% of his routes against Emerson and Ward.

Week 17 RB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 A+ Christian McCaffrey SF LV
2 A+ Saquon Barkley NYG IND
3 A+ Dalvin Cook MIN GB
4 A Austin Ekeler LAC LAR
5 A James Conner ARI ATL
6 A Travis Etienne Jr. JAC HOU
7 A Rhamondre Stevenson NE MIA
8 A Ezekiel Elliott DAL TEN
9 A Nick Chubb CLE WAS
10 A Josh Jacobs LV SF
11 A Joe Mixon CIN BUF
12 A- Alvin Kamara NO PHI
13 A- Cam Akers LAR LAC
14 A- Miles Sanders PHI NO
15 A- Kenneth Walker III SEA NYJ
16 B+ Brian Robinson Jr. WAS CLE
17 B+ Aaron Jones GB MIN
18 B Najee Harris PIT BAL
19 B David Montgomery CHI DET
20 B Tyler Allgeier ATL ARI
21 B Jerick McKinnon KC DEN
22 B D’Andre Swift DET CHI
23 B- Leonard Fournette TB CAR
24 B- Isiah Pacheco KC DEN
25 C+ AJ Dillon GB MIN
26 C+ Zonovan Knight NYJ SEA
27 C+ J.K. Dobbins BAL PIT
28 C+ D’Onta Foreman CAR TB
29 C+ Jamaal Williams DET CHI
30 C Zack Moss IND NYG
31 C Devin Singletary BUF CIN
32 C Hassan Haskins TEN DAL
33 C Rachaad White TB CAR
34 C Raheem Mostert MIA NE
35 C Chuba Hubbard CAR TB
36 C- Jeff Wilson Jr. MIA NE
37 C- Cordarrelle Patterson ATL ARI
38 C- Michael Carter NYJ SEA
39 C- Latavius Murray DEN KC
40 C- James Cook BUF CIN
41 D+ Gus Edwards BAL PIT
42 D+ Royce Freeman HOU JAC
43 D Malik Davis DAL TEN
44 D Khalil Herbert CHI DET
45 D- Samaje Perine CIN BUF
46 D- Kareem Hunt CLE WAS
47 F Kenneth Gainwell PHI NO
48 F Joshua Kelley LAC LAR
49 F Jaylen Warren PIT BAL
50 F JaMycal Hasty JAC HOU
51 F Deon Jackson IND NYG
52 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU JAC
53 F Alexander Mattison MIN GB
54 F Marlon Mack DEN KC
55 F Justin Jackson DET CHI
56 F DeeJay Dallas SEA NYJ
57 F Jonathan Williams WAS CLE
58 F Tyrion Davis-Price SF LV
59 F Julius Chestnut TEN DAL
60 F Chase Edmonds DEN KC
61 F Kyren Williams LAR LAC
62 F David Johnson NO PHI
63 F Rex Burkhead HOU JAC
64 F Raheem Blackshear CAR TB
65 F Boston Scott PHI NO
66 F Matt Breida NYG IND
67 F Jordan Mason SF LV
68 F Ameer Abdullah LV SF
69 F Ty Johnson NYJ SEA
70 F Pierre Strong Jr. NE MIA
71 F Nyheim Hines BUF CIN
72 F Justice Hill BAL PIT
73 F Malcolm Brown LAR LAC
74 F Keaontay Ingram ARI ATL
75 F Kyle Juszczyk SF LV
76 F Travis Homer SEA NYJ
77 F Avery Williams ATL ARI
78 F Salvon Ahmed MIA NE
79 F Zamir White LV SF
80 F Kevin Harris NE MIA
81 F Jordan Wilkins IND NYG
82 F Snoop Conner JAC HOU
83 F Gary Brightwell NYG IND
84 F Damien Harris NE MIA
85 F Patrick Taylor Jr. GB MIN
86 F Ronald Jones II KC DEN
87 F Benny Snell Jr. PIT BAL
88 F Patrick Ricard BAL PIT
89 F Alec Ingold MIA NE
90 F Ke’Shawn Vaughn TB CAR
91 F C.J. Ham MIN GB
92 F Isaiah Spiller LAC LAR
93 F Brandon Bolden LV SF
94 F Darrynton Evans CHI DET
95 F Trayveon Williams CIN BUF
96 F Corey Clement ARI ATL
97 F Derek Watt PIT BAL
98 F Tevin Coleman SF LV
99 F Jakob Johnson LV SF
100 F Godwin Igwebuike SEA NYJ
101 F Jonathan Ward TEN DAL
102 F Reggie Gilliam BUF CIN
103 F Zander Horvath LAC LAR
104 F Qadree Ollison DAL TEN
105 F Anthony McFarland Jr. PIT BAL
106 F Sony Michel LAC LAR
107 F Adam Prentice NO PHI
108 F Trestan Ebner CHI DET
109 F Michael Burton KC DEN
110 F Jerome Ford CLE WAS
111 F Keith Smith ATL ARI
112 F D’Ernest Johnson CLE WAS
113 F Giovani Bernard TB CAR
114 F Duke Johnson Jr. BUF CIN
115 F Larry Rountree III LAC LAR
116 F Eno Benjamin NO PHI
117 F Brittain Brown LV SF
118 F Ronnie Rivers LAR LAC
119 F Kene Nwangwu MIN GB
120 F Khari Blasingame CHI DET
121 F Dwayne Washington NO PHI
122 F Kenyan Drake BAL PIT
123 F Demetric Felton Jr. CLE WAS
124 F Wayne Gallman Jr. SEA NYJ

Notes

Travis Etienne: Etienne is the RB24 in fantasy averaging 23 touches and 119.5 total yards over his last two games. Etienne is lighting in a bottle, ranking first in yards per reception, 13th in yards per touch, and fifth in breakaway runs. Last time against Houston, he was the RB22 with 114 total yards while playing 51.4% of the snaps with 13 touches. He should see at least 20 opportunities this week while he destroys the Texans’ run defense. Since Week 11, Houston has been 19th in rushing success rate, 25th in fantasy points per game, 27th in rushing yards per game, and 30th in explosive run rate allowed. Etienne is an RB1.

Royce Freeman: Last week, Freeman saw his snap count bump to 55% with 17 opportunities that he turned into only 38 total yards. Freeman has been woeful in the efficiency department with his limited sample over the last two weeks. Among 80 running backs with at least 25 carries, he is 72nd in yards after contact per attempt, 48th in PFF’s elusive rating, and has zero breakaway runs. Freeman enters the RB3/4 conversation because of his volume projection and a matchup with the soft Jaguars’ run defense. Since Week 11, they have been 27th in rushing success rate, 13th in EPA per rush, 20th in rushing yards per game, and 17th in explosive run rate allowed.

Josh Jacobs: Jacobs is the RB3 in fantasy, ranking third in snap share, first in opportunity share, second in carries, and 12th in targets. He has the 14th-most red zone touches and the 14th-highest target share (11.7%). Jacobs has been an efficient rusher this season, ranking second in evaded tackles, tenth in juke rate, and fourth in breakaway runs. The quarterback change hurts him this week because the offense overall is likely to see fewer trips to the red zone and a downtick in overall effectiveness with Stidham. Jacobs is a low-end RB1 based on volume. Since Week 11, the 49ers have been third in rushing success rate, first in EPA per rush, third in yards per carry, and second in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs.

Zonovan Knight: Since Week 14, Knight has played 41-47% of the snaps averaging 13 touches and 37.7 total yards. He has conceded the passing downs to Carter and nearly split the red zone work evenly with him. Knight is 34th in yards after contact per attempt, 30th in breakaway rate, and first in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 50 carries). Knight is a script-dependent RB3. If the Jets can control the score, Knight could sniff close to 20 touches, but if they fall behind early, we could see more Carter. Since Week 11, Seattle has been 32nd in fantasy points per game, 28th in rushing success rate, 32nd in rushing yards per game, and 25th in explosive run rate allowed. Knight could post a massive fantasy day if the Jets can stay competitive.

Michael Carter: Since Week 14, Carter has played 39-52% of snaps averaging 6.7 touches and 33.7 total yards. Over the last three games, he has an 11.2% target share and 1.25 yards per route run. Carter is an RB4 whose value resides in the passing game. Seattle has been a haven for receiving backs. Since Week 11, they have been 29th in receptions per game, 29th in receiving yards per game, and 30th in yards per reception allowed to running backs.

Kenneth Walker: Over the last two weeks, Walker has played 75% and 53% of the snaps averaging 22 touches and 92 total yards. Seattle gave him a breather last week with DeeJay Dallas operating more on passing downs as Walker’s target share fell to 5.3%, and his route run rate sat at 25%. At less than 100%, Walker has ranked 33rd in yards after contact per attempt and 12th in breakaway rate (minimum 12 carries) since Week 15. Walker is an RB2 with a tough road ahead in Week 17. Since Week 11, the Jets are first in rushing success rate, tenth in EPA per rush, 14th in rushing yards per game, and 20th in explosive run rate allowed.

Cam Akers: If you’ve been reading the Primer, you already know Akers has been playing much better than his box scores indicate. Well, every box score before Week 16. Akers exploded last week with a season-high 23 carries for 118 rushing yards and three scores. He’s earned more work over the last three weeks as the Rams have realized that he has been closer to his pre-injury form. He’s played at least 72% of the snaps in three of his last four games. Since Week 10, Akers has been 22nd in yards after contact per attempt, tenth in missed tackles forced, 14th in runs of ten-plus yards (tied with Rhamondre Stevenson), and ninth in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 25 carries). Akers should be able to build on last week’s success in Week 17. Since Week 11, the Chargers have been 16th in rushing success rate, 20th in EPA per rush, and 24th in rushing yards per game. Akers is a solid RB2 with RB1 upside this week.

Najee Harris: Harris is the RB20 in fantasy, ranking tenth in opportunity share, 12th in weighted opportunities, and seventh in carries. He’s ninth in evaded tackles, 21st in juke rate, and 23rd in yards created. Harris has finished as an RB2 or higher in four of his last six games (RB3, RB15, RB17, RB13) while never finishing lower than RB28 in that stretch. The Ravens are a nasty run defense, ranking second in rushing success rate, second in EPA per rush, and sixth in fantasy points per game allowed since Week 11. Harris is an RB2.

J.K. Dobbins: Dobbins has averaged 13.3 carries and 101.3 rushing yards since his return. Last week’s scoreless 59 yards rushing is the floor for Dobbins. While he ran for a stout 4.9 yards per carry, if he doesn’t blow it out of the water with his efficiency and get into the end zone, you’re likely disappointed. Since Week 14, Dobbins has been ninth in yards after contact per attempt, seventh in breakaway rate, and 20th in PFF elusive rating (minimum 20 carries). Since Week 11, Pittsburgh has been 14th in rushing success rate, tenth in rushing yards per game, and eighth in explosive run rate allowed. Dobbins is a volatile RB2.

Week 17 TE Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 A+ Travis Kelce KC DEN
2 A T.J. Hockenson MIN GB
3 A- George Kittle SF LV
4 B+ Evan Engram JAC HOU
5 B Dalton Schultz DAL TEN
6 B- Mark Andrews BAL PIT
7 C+ Dallas Goedert PHI NO
8 C+ Pat Freiermuth PIT BAL
9 C Cole Kmet CHI DET
10 C David Njoku CLE WAS
11 C Dawson Knox BUF CIN
12 C Taysom Hill NO PHI
13 C- Tyler Higbee LAR LAC
14 C- Tyler Conklin NYJ SEA
15 D+ Juwan Johnson NO PHI
16 D+ Noah Fant SEA NYJ
17 D+ Gerald Everett LAC LAR
18 D Darren Waller LV SF
19 D Cade Otton TB CAR
20 D- Daniel Bellinger NYG IND
21 D- Jordan Akins HOU JAC
22 F Logan Thomas WAS CLE
23 F Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN DAL
24 F Trey McBride ARI ATL
25 F Robert Tonyan GB MIN
26 F Jelani Woods IND NYG
27 F Austin Hooper TEN DAL
28 F Mike Gesicki MIA NE
29 F Noah Gray KC DEN
30 F Colby Parkinson SEA NYJ
31 F Shane Zylstra DET CHI
32 D Isaiah Likely BAL PIT
33 F Cameron Brate TB CAR
34 F Hunter Henry NE MIA
35 F Foster Moreau LV SF
36 F C.J. Uzomah NYJ SEA
37 F Mitchell Wilcox CIN BUF
38 F Mo Alie-Cox IND NYG
39 F MyCole Pruitt ATL ARI
40 F Donald Parham Jr. LAC LAR
41 F Brock Wright DET CHI
42 F Anthony Firkser ATL ARI
43 F Tommy Tremble CAR TB
44 F Josh Oliver BAL PIT
45 F Brevin Jordan HOU JAC
46 F Ian Thomas CAR TB
47 F Hayden Hurst CIN BUF
48 F Jake Ferguson DAL TEN
49 F Durham Smythe MIA NE
50 F Brycen Hopkins LAR LAC
51 F James Mitchell DET CHI
52 F Harrison Bryant CLE WAS
53 F Eric Saubert DEN KC
54 F Connor Heyward PIT BAL
55 F Eric Tomlinson DEN KC
56 F Tre’ McKitty LAC LAR
57 F Johnny Mundt MIN GB
58 F Adam Trautman NO PHI
59 F Zach Gentry PIT BAL
60 F Josiah Deguara GB MIN
61 F Peyton Hendershot DAL TEN
62 F Marcedes Lewis GB MIN
63 F Quintin Morris BUF CIN
64 F Parker Hesse ATL ARI
65 F Blake Bell KC DEN
66 F John Bates WAS CLE
67 F Dan Arnold JAC HOU
68 F Nick Vannett NYG IND
69 F Geoff Swaim TEN DAL
70 F Stephen Sullivan CAR TB
71 F Jack Stoll PHI NO
72 F Ryan Griffin CHI DET
73 F Pharaoh Brown CLE WAS
74 F Tyler Kroft SF LV
75 F Ko Kieft TB CAR
76 F Devin Asiasi CIN BUF
77 F Stephen Anderson ARI ATL
78 F Chris Manhertz JAC HOU
79 F Grant Calcaterra PHI NO
80 F Chris Myarick NYG IND
81 F Maxx Williams ARI ATL
82 F Cole Turner WAS CLE
83 F Stone Smartt LAC LAR
84 F Kevin Rader TEN DAL
85 F Ross Dwelley SF LV
86 F Sean McKeon DAL TEN
87 F Tanner Hudson CIN BUF
88 F O.J. Howard HOU JAC
89 F Hunter Long MIA NE
90 F Kyle Rudolph TB CAR
91 F Albert Okwuegbunam DEN KC
92 F Giovanni Ricci CAR TB
93 F Luke Farrell JAC HOU
94 F Tyler Davis GB MIN
95 F Nikola Kalinic IND NYG
96 F Mason Schreck HOU JAC
97 F Trevon Wesco CHI DET
98 F Armani Rogers WAS CLE
99 F Jordan Franks KC DEN
100 F Matt Sokol NE MIA
101 F Andrew Beck DEN KC
102 F Nick Muse MIN GB
103 F Charlie Woerner SF LV
104 F Nick Boyle BAL PIT
105 F Chase Allen CHI DET
106 F Tommy Sweeney BUF CIN

Notes

Pat Freiermuth: After a few down weeks and declining snaps, Freiermuth proved he was healthy last week, soaking up a 22.2% target share with 1.89 yards per route run and an 87.5% route run rate. Freiermuth is the TE9 in fantasy with a 19.5% target share, the third-most deep targets, and the 13th-most red zone targets. He ranks sixth in yards per route run and ninth in yards after the catch. Freiermuth hauled in a touchdown on a limited snap count with 33 receiving yards the last time he played Baltimore (TE6). Freiermuth is a TE1.

Mark Andrews: With Huntley tossing him passes, Andrews has a 29.5% target share (six targets per game), 25.9% air yard share, and 1.33 yards per route run. Andrews has had disappointing fantasy weeks as the TE23, TE24, and TE19. The usage and target volume remains for him to be ranked as a TE1, but the results have been frightening. If you have a sexy streaming option, consider them over Andrews. Andrews is a borderline TE1. Since Week 11, Pittsburgh has been 22nd in catch rate, 20th in receiving yards per game, and 12th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.

Dawson Knox: Knox has come on strong recently with TE1 weeks (TE5, TE5, TE3, TE9) in four of his last six games. Since Week 11, he has had a 16.1% target share (five targets per game), a 78,1% route run rate, and 1.51 yards per route run. Since Week 11, Cincinnati has been 17th in catch rate, 26th in receiving yards per game, and 23rd in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. Knox is a TE1.

Cole Kmet: After his hot mid-season stretch with Fields exploding, Kmet has cooled off with only one TE1 finish in his last five games (TE6). Kmet has a 19.5% target share (sixth-best0 which has amounted to 4.1 targets per game. Since Week 8, Kmet has been the TE6 in fantasy points per game, which is a bigger statement about the tight end position than Kmet’s season. Kmet is seventh in deep targets this season which should serve him well against Detroit. The Lions are 26th in DVOA against tight ends, allowing the seventh-highest yards per reception, fifth-most fantasy points per game, and fourth-highest catch rate. Kmet is a TE1.

Daniel Bellinger: Bellinger has played at least 97% of the snaps in three of his last four games. In that span, he’s seen an 11.3% target share, zero end zone targets, and a 78.3% route run rate. He’s been a solid TE2 with TE15 and TE18 finishes in this four-game sample. Indy has been 27th in DVOA against tight ends ranking 18th in catch rate and 16th in yards per reception allowed.

Juwan Johnson: Since Week 6, Johnson has been the TE6 in fantasy. He’s seen a 15.1% target share, a 26.7% end zone target share, and a 67.2% route run rate. Johnson has been 18th in yards per route run in that period. Overall he’s 12th in deep targets and tenth in red zone targets among tight ends. Since Week 11, the Eagles have been more pliable to tight ends ranking 28th in catch rate and 17th in yards per reception. Johnson should have a solid day as a TE1 against the Eagles’ zone defense. Johnson has seen 52.8% of his target volume against zone. He ranks 14th in PFF receiving grade and 13th in yards per route run against the coverage (minimum eight zone targets).

Dallas Goedert: Last week, in his first game back, Goedert only managed an 8.8% target share, but he made it count with 67 receiving yards, a 90.2% route run rate, and 1.81 yards per route run. Goedert is the TE4 in fantasy points per game with a 19.2% target share (eighth-best) and 2.40 yards per route run (third-best). Goedert is a low-end TE1 this week against the no-fly zone defense for tight ends known as the Saints. New Orleans is first in catch rate, first in receiving yards per game, and first in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.

Week 17 D/ST Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 A+ San Francisco 49ers SF LV
2 A+ Philadelphia Eagles PHI NO
3 A Dallas Cowboys DAL TEN
4 A- Kansas City Chiefs KC DEN
5 A- Baltimore Ravens BAL PIT
6 B+ New York Jets NYJ SEA
7 B New England Patriots NE MIA
8 B Buffalo Bills BUF CIN
9 B New York Giants NYG IND
10 B- Jacksonville Jaguars JAC HOU
11 B- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB CAR
12 C+ Washington Commanders WAS CLE
13 C Los Angeles Chargers LAC LAR
14 C Miami Dolphins MIA NE
15 C- Cleveland Browns CLE WAS
16 C- Pittsburgh Steelers PIT BAL
17 D+ Arizona Cardinals ARI ATL
18 D Atlanta Falcons ATL ARI
19 D+ Detroit Lions DET CHI
20 D Cincinnati Bengals CIN BUF
21 D Seattle Seahawks SEA NYJ
22 D- Carolina Panthers CAR TB
23 D- Los Angeles Rams LAR LAC
24 F Indianapolis Colts IND NYG
25 F New Orleans Saints NO PHI
26 F Denver Broncos DEN KC
27 F Green Bay Packers GB MIN
28 F Tennessee Titans TEN DAL
29 F Minnesota Vikings MIN GB
30 F Houston Texans HOU JAC
31 F Chicago Bears CHI DET
32 F Las Vegas Raiders LV SF

 

Week 17 K Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 17
1 B Brett Maher DAL TEN
2 B Justin Tucker BAL PIT
3 B Harrison Butker KC DEN
4 B Tyler Bass BUF CIN
5 B- Cameron Dicker LAC LAR
6 C+ Daniel Carlson LV SF
7 C Nick Folk NE MIA
8 C+ Jason Sanders MIA NE
9 C+ Robbie Gould SF LV
10 C Ryan Succop TB CAR
11 C Evan McPherson CIN BUF
12 C Graham Gano NYG IND
13 C- Michael Badgley DET CHI
14 C Greg Joseph MIN GB
15 C Jake Elliott PHI NO
16 C Greg Zuerlein NYJ SEA
17 C Jason Myers SEA NYJ
18 C- Mason Crosby GB MIN
19 D+ Matt Prater ARI ATL
20 D+ Chase McLaughlin IND NYG
21 D+ Younghoe Koo ATL ARI
22 D Riley Patterson JAC HOU
23 D Eddy Pineiro CAR TB
24 D Chris Boswell PIT BAL
25 D Wil Lutz NO PHI
26 D Cairo Santos CHI DET
27 D- Matt Gay LAR LAC
28 D- Brandon McManus DEN KC
29 D- Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU JAC
30 F Cade York CLE WAS
31 F Randy Bullock TEN DAL
32 F Joey Slye WAS CLE

 

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.