If you're still competing in one or more league, you know how unpredictable Week 17 is. THe NHL postponed games. College football had to cancel some Bowl games. We're all bracing for what's next. Here are the storylines I'm following most closely in the NFL, and likely fantasy implications
Lamar Jackson is questionable and was seen still limping at practice. The worst-case scenario for managers with Mark Andrews (like me), Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, or even Devonta Freeman would be if a largely immobile Jackson starts. Jackson is fifth in the league in time to throw (2.96 seconds). He makes his receivers betters--particularly underneath--because he's a threat to run on every play. If he's merely a middling or sub-par pocket passer who has difficulty escaping trouble, especially against the Rams, that could be trouble. Of course, if he's close to 100%, that would be the best-case scenario. These next three days will tell us a lot.
Taysom Hill has been activated from the COVID list. This won't help New Orleans' receivers very much (though Marquez Callaway will remain a fringe deep-league option). But it clearly should help those who've stashed Hill, and Alvin Kamara will no longer be a worrisome fantasy start. In recent days the opposing Panthers added several defensive players to the COVID list. If some/all can't return for Sunday, even better for these two cornerstone Saint players.
D'Andre Swift and the Lions have nothing to play for. But don't tell head coach Dan Campbell. Swift is now expected to return for Week 17, throwing a wrench in managers' plans to (possibly) stream Jamaal Williams or Craig Reynolds. The problem is that (a) a serious injury to Swift would jeopardize his availability for the beginning of next season, and (b) there's no conceivable way he'll be thrown into a 24+ touch situation. I mean, he could be. But it would be ridiculously risky. So if you're wondering, "Do I start Swift as an RB2?," my answer is, "I have no idea." If I had to guess, I'd guess that if he starts, he'll get about 10-12 touches, including 2-3 receptions. So maybe 7-9 fantasy points, and hope for a touchdown.
A fascinating situation in Philadelphia, where Miles Sanders is out and Jordan Howard is currently questionable with a stinger. Keep an eye on whether Howard practices today or tomorrow. If he does, he'll be the "safest" option for the Eagles' RBs. I put "safest" in quotes because he's not catching many balls these days, so 80 rushing yards and zero scores is a strong possibility. But he'll also be in line for goal-line touches. So if you don't have a top-24 RB to plug in, Howard would make sense given his upside. And if he sits, Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell would both be streamers.
Finally, in a situation that's had huge implications in the Premier Fantasy Football League, Jimmy Garoppolo remains questionable for Sunday with a thumb injury. I wrote about him and Trey Lance in a piece yesterday for Pro Football Network. (Johnny, I mentioned you in the article.) This week I picked up Lance to block my finals opponent, who has Jimmy G. While Lance is still a raw talent, he remains one of my favorite dynasty QBs, period. He has the strong potential to be a better version of Lamar Jackson. If he's starting in Week 17 against the Texans, Lance would be an instant threat for 20+ points, and I'd put him in my top 8. Otherwise, if Jimmy's out there at less than 100%, I'd have to downgrade Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk.
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Lamar Jackson is questionable and was seen still limping at practice. The worst-case scenario for managers with Mark Andrews (like me), Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, or even Devonta Freeman would be if a largely immobile Jackson starts. Jackson is fifth in the league in time to throw (2.96 seconds). He makes his receivers betters--particularly underneath--because he's a threat to run on every play. If he's merely a middling or sub-par pocket passer who has difficulty escaping trouble, especially against the Rams, that could be trouble. Of course, if he's close to 100%, that would be the best-case scenario. These next three days will tell us a lot.
Taysom Hill has been activated from the COVID list. This won't help New Orleans' receivers very much (though Marquez Callaway will remain a fringe deep-league option). But it clearly should help those who've stashed Hill, and Alvin Kamara will no longer be a worrisome fantasy start. In recent days the opposing Panthers added several defensive players to the COVID list. If some/all can't return for Sunday, even better for these two cornerstone Saint players.
D'Andre Swift and the Lions have nothing to play for. But don't tell head coach Dan Campbell. Swift is now expected to return for Week 17, throwing a wrench in managers' plans to (possibly) stream Jamaal Williams or Craig Reynolds. The problem is that (a) a serious injury to Swift would jeopardize his availability for the beginning of next season, and (b) there's no conceivable way he'll be thrown into a 24+ touch situation. I mean, he could be. But it would be ridiculously risky. So if you're wondering, "Do I start Swift as an RB2?," my answer is, "I have no idea." If I had to guess, I'd guess that if he starts, he'll get about 10-12 touches, including 2-3 receptions. So maybe 7-9 fantasy points, and hope for a touchdown.
A fascinating situation in Philadelphia, where Miles Sanders is out and Jordan Howard is currently questionable with a stinger. Keep an eye on whether Howard practices today or tomorrow. If he does, he'll be the "safest" option for the Eagles' RBs. I put "safest" in quotes because he's not catching many balls these days, so 80 rushing yards and zero scores is a strong possibility. But he'll also be in line for goal-line touches. So if you don't have a top-24 RB to plug in, Howard would make sense given his upside. And if he sits, Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell would both be streamers.
Finally, in a situation that's had huge implications in the Premier Fantasy Football League, Jimmy Garoppolo remains questionable for Sunday with a thumb injury. I wrote about him and Trey Lance in a piece yesterday for Pro Football Network. (Johnny, I mentioned you in the article.) This week I picked up Lance to block my finals opponent, who has Jimmy G. While Lance is still a raw talent, he remains one of my favorite dynasty QBs, period. He has the strong potential to be a better version of Lamar Jackson. If he's starting in Week 17 against the Texans, Lance would be an instant threat for 20+ points, and I'd put him in my top 8. Otherwise, if Jimmy's out there at less than 100%, I'd have to downgrade Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk.
---
- PFN fantasy site -- www.profootballnetwork.com/fantasy-football/
- PFN fantasy podcast -- podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mood-for-fantasy-football/id1580114372
- Free fantasy advice newsletter -- www.getrevue.co/profile/pfnfantasy