Ellis Bryn Johnson | Sat, Dec 27th 2025, 8:26am EST

5 Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 17 (2025)

The fantasy football finals are here. If you have made it to championship week, congratulations. For the many teams that didn’t, I hope you enjoyed the journey. Whether or not you are still playing for the championship, I want to thank you for following my smash starts this season.

Last week, we selected Saquon Barkley (RB10), De’Von Achane (RB15), Bo Nix (QB2), Nico Collins (WR38) and DK Metcalf (WR49). Outside of one of those players assaulting a fan, it was a pretty decent week. This week, I have five new names coming at you that could singlehandedly deliver you a trophy.

Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 17

Trey McBride (TE – ARI)

The fantasy gods can be cruel sometimes. Trey McBride’s managers likely coasted into their fantasy semi-finals, as he was a dominant difference-maker all season. Unfortunately, on the doorstep of the finals, he delivered his worst week of the season. Maybe this was a test to see if managers were worthy? Or maybe this was just a sick twist of fate. Either way, for those still competing, McBride is set up to have a monstrous day.

Already coming out and discussing how last week’s down game has been “eating at him,” the Bengals are in serious trouble. Allowing by far the most fantasy points to the position on the season, the Bengals have allowed tight ends to beat them all season. This includes Hunter Henry‘s seven catches for 115 yards and a score and Pat Freiermuth‘s five catches for 111 yards and two scores, along with many others. McBride is in another ballpark in terms of talent and fantasy potential. Imagine what he could do this week.

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Chase Brown may end up being this season’s league-winner. Since Week 8, he only had one game outside of the top 15 at the position. He also had his best fantasy finish (RB2) last week in the fantasy semi-finals. Looking ahead to this week, another top-five finish could easily be in the cards (pun intended).

The Cardinals have been obliterated this season by running backs. More specifically, they have allowed Jawhar Jordan to rush for 100 yards and Bijan Robinson to have 168 yards and a score over the last two weeks. With four or more targets and at least 12 carries in seven consecutive games, the opportunity will be there for Brown to have another big week. He may not score a touchdown hat-trick again, but 100 yards and a score should be a baseline in a game primed for huge fantasy numbers.

Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)

I think this is a matchup that will determine many fantasy leagues this season. The Cardinals and the Bengals are two teams made for fantasy fireworks, and they meet each other on Sunday. Since Jacoby Brissett took over, the Cardinals have been one of the pass-happiest teams in the league. As for the Bengals, Joe Burrow has returned to the elite operator commanding this offense.

As for Ja’Marr Chase, there are going to be a lot of opportunities in this game. With the Bengals allowing the most yards per game to opposing offenses, this game is primed to be high scoring. Chase stated in an interview this week that he is well aware he hasn’t found the end zone since Week 7 against the Steelers.

Considering Chase leads the league in targets, is second in receptions and fifth in receiving yards, his five total touchdowns this season are a clear outlier. Over the last two weeks, the Cardinals have allowed huge receiving games to Nico Collins (22 fantasy points), Bijan Robinson (18.7 receiving fantasy points) and Kyle Pitts (15.2 fantasy points). Expect Chase to have a huge game and find the end zone at least once.

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

There are a few players who you have to start each week because you never know when a big performance is coming. This was the case last week with Ashton Jeanty. Going against the Texans’ defense was the last thing Jeanty managers wanted to see. Instead, he exploded for a career high in scrimmage yards (188) and a score.

Coming off this massive performance, Jeanty now takes on the Giants, who are allowing an average of 155 yards per game to opposing running backs. With Jeanty’s involvement in the receiving game, along with dominating the rushing attempts, he may close out the fantasy season with two of his best weeks of the season.

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Based on his player profile, Chris Olave doesn’t jump off the page as a high-upside player. However, his fantasy WR6 ranking on the season has gone under the radar. Coming off back-to-back top-10 receiver weeks, including a WR2 finish last week, Olave and Tyler Shough can cook.

This week, the Saints take on the Titans in one of the most mid games of the season. However, this is exactly where Olave can thrive. Sitting third in the league in targets, there will be plenty of opportunities to exploit a very weak secondary. Over their last three games, the Titans have allowed 241.1 passing yards per game.

With limited weapons to get the ball to, Olave could easily catch his fifth touchdown in as many weeks, and top the 100-yard mark for only the third time this season.

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