Here we are faithful readers, the fantasy championship round. If you are here looking for a replacement or to block for your opponent because you are playing in the game of games this upcoming week: Congratulations! You have just one step left before you can grab the idol and run like mad from the falling temple. If you have been reading all season, I wanted to take a second to thank you all for making my first season as a fantasy analyst and writer with Razzball a (I think?) success. Special thank you’s to my faithful weekly commenters William Hung, Water Boy, Mike, OldMilwaukeePounders, Miles Proudfoot, JC, Packers2018, toolshed, Ralph, Russowl, Achilles, William Trill Cauley-Stein, and I Am Not A Smart Man. Helping you and all our readers has been a privilege and the absolute joy of my year. Before I hop in Jock Lindsey’s UBF-2 seaplane and ride off into the off season, here are a few recommendations for players you might find worth adding for the final week.
QUARTERBACK
Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins | 41% Rostered
If you are reading this statement, Tua Tagovailoa escaped the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints without injury. If you are not reading this statement, wait, what that makes no sense. Tagovailoa is the only some what widely available quarterback I would trust this week with a championship on the line if you need a quarterback. The Tennessee Titans have been abysmal against opposing quarterbacks in 2021 and Tagovailoa has really started to take form. I am not worried about Tagovailoa’s seemingly unimpressive statline against the Saints Monday night. The Dolphins defense was seemingly in control the entire game which allowed Tagovailoa to manage the game rather than take it over.
RUNNING BACK
Boston Scott | Philadelphia Eagles | 15% Rostered
Jordan Howard | Philadelphia Eagles | 16% Rostered
Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders left the game Sunday with a fractured bone in his hand. I would venture to say he will not be suiting up in Week 17, even though there is still a chance he plays. Boston Scott did not see much work in the game until Sanders left. He ended up outcarrying him though and fellow back Jordan Howard, who also left with an injury. Howard should be back next week as his injury was a stinger. The Eagles play the Washington Football Team who allowed multiple touchdowns to the Cowboys in last Sunday’s blowout loss.
Darrel Williams | Kansas City Chiefs | 60% Rostered
Another week and another injury to Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s troublesome sophomore campaign. Whether in tandem or in relief, Darrell Williams still seemed to outshine him on Sunday. If Edwards-Helaire were to miss the game on Sunday, Williams would shoulder the work with a matchup against the Bengals who are allowing 23.9 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Rex Burkhead | Houston Texans | 14% Rostered
I wouldn’t put your fantasy championship hopes squarely in the lap of Rex Burkhead. Still with the amount of players headed to the COVID list, it might not be a terrible idea to use a bench spot on the veteran back in case one of your studs is declared out last minute. Burkhead continued the running back dominance of the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday with 149 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. The 49ers are a much better team against the run, but Burkhead has shown a good floor when given the workload.
WIDE RECEIVER
Zay Jones | Las Vegas Raiders | 1% Rostered
Zay Jones has quietly been a target machine the last five weeks, averaging just over seven per game. The Raiders will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 who are giving up just over thirty-five fantasy points per game to opposing receivers. During the five game stretch, Jones has yet to score a receiving touchdown and it could very well be his time come Sunday.
KJ Osborn | Minnesota Vikings | 34% Rostered
It is a tale as old as time, Adam Thielen is injured, so go pick up KJ Osborn. Five receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown last Sunday for the second-year receiver from the University of Miami. Thielen is expected to miss Week 17’s must-win matchup with their division rival Green Bay Packers. Osborn should be a dependable WR3 in his absence.
Marquez Vales-Scantling | Green Bay Packers | 40% Rostered
Allen Lazard | Green Bay Packers | 16% Rostered
I am expecting a shoot-out, weather permitting, on Sunday between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. It is a must-win game for both teams as the Packers are trying to lock up the number one seed in the NFC and the Minnesota Vikings are hanging on to their wildcard hopes. If Valdes-Scantling returns from the COVID list, I am firing him up without hesitation. Lazard would have WR3 upside if MVS misses his second straight game.
TIGHT END
Cole Kmet | Chicago Bears | 34% Rostered
Cole Kmet has really started to break out for the Chicago Bears. I sang his praises earlier in the preseason in my A Man For Early Seasons series. He decided to show up late to the party which listen, I am just glad he is here. Heading into next year, with the retirement of Jimmy Graham looming, he will be a tight end I will target in drafts. As it pertains to this season, his matchup against the Giants in Week 17 has me ranking him as a borderline TE1. Leading up to last week’s matchup against the Eagles, the Giants had allowed touchdowns to tight ends in back to back weeks.
Gerald Everett | Seattle Seahawks | 42% Rostered
Gerald Everett has back to back games with over sixty yards and touchdowns in two out of the last three weeks. For managers streaming tight end, Everett is an excellent option this week against the Detroit Lions. The Lions give up the tenth most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Seattle Seahawks | 50% Rostered
Detroit has given up the 7th most fantasy points to opposing DSTs and a home game against the dome savvy Lions should be an exploitable matchup for the Seattle Seahawks. If you are streaming DSTs, which who isn’t these days? The Seahawks are an excellent matchup for Week 17.
Chicago Bears | 16% Rostered
As long as the New York Giants keep rolling out Mike Glennon and/or Jake Fromm, I’ll keep recommending you start the DST opposing them. The Bears get the free space this week and should perform nicely in the last home game of their season.
Been a magical year!
Agreed! I remember you Maya from when I was growing up. You lived right next to Mrs. Mike Rotchtingles!
Thanks man for all your work!
PPR, into the championship thanks to Gesicki’s egg!
NOT a chance in hell I start Thielen, so do I risk Michael Gallup w/ the low floor, or pick up Kendrick Bourne, Isaigh McKenzie or MVS?
Thanks again Happy New Year!
MVS good pickup if he plays. mckenzie only if both gab davis (pretty sure out) and beasley stay out.
I really like MVS if he cleared. Gallup isn’t a bad second choice.
1 PPR 0.2 PPC
QB: Herbert
RB: Zeke, N Harris
WR: Tyreek, Pittman, Waddle
TE: Higbee
Flex: Lockett
Flex: J Howard
DST: MIA
Bench:
A Mattison, T Pollard, B Snell
V Jefferson
Conklin
KC
Just $8 FAAB left—
QB: Trey Lance
RB: Ogunbowale, D Gore
WR: McKenzie , Hilton, Pringle , K Toney
TE: A Hooper
DST: CHI, GBP
Planning to drop KC defense. I don’t know about dropping B Snell or anyone else. Please who shall I go after from Lance, Ogunbowale, McKenzie, CHI or anyone above. $8 is not enough to outbid my opponents. Thanks for all the advice !
Unless your championship is in week 18, you’re going for a block, or it is dynasty: no need to pick up Lance.
I think your lineup is set. I expect Tyreek to bounce back against Cincy. I like the MIA dst over any of your waiver options.
I’d use the FAAB on Ogunbowale.
Thanks. This is redraft league and opponent has Hurts at QB. I am not positive on getting Ogunbowale and expect him gone for higher bid. Anu secondary targets to spend $8 on? Also, keep Benny Snell or drop him along with KC,
Drop the KC dst and grab Lance then. Context matters and I might like Lance more than Hurts this week. Don’t worry about McKenzie as Beasley is expected back. I’d grab Pringle for a block as well if you want to drop Snell.
Thanks Joey. Is Jimmy G expected to miss this week? With all the Covid chaos, I have picked up Benny Snell last week to cover myself. Flexed Mattison last week but D Cook might be back this week. I am not excited about my second flex options J Howard / V Jefferson/ T Pollars
I apologize. I totally missed you having Jefferson. I like him a lot this week even if OBJ plays.
big odds against jimmer g playing this week.
odds seemingly up that jimmer has a chance at this week lately though, at least compared to a few days back when it sounded like surgery might happen this week. here’s my guess, they make us all wait till sat (lance plays), then the surgery wait till middle of next week (or later), see if i can call it (and numerous more “reports” that he doesn’t need the surgery, like the one today)
Hey all. After this article posted we received the Jimmy G news! Definitely encourage picking him up if you are waiting out Lamar or are streaming quarterback! Have a great day!
1 PPR Super Flex 6 Points/Pa TDs
QB: K Murray
RB: Mixon, R Penny
WR: Tyreek, AJ Brown. Amari
TE: Kittle
Flex: C Patterson
S Flex: Teddy
Bench:
Taysom Hill, Cam Newton
CEH, Javonte , Dillon , E Mitchell
Planning to drop Cam Newton and don’t know about CEH. No FAAB left…
Trey Lance
Rex Burkhead, Ogunbowale
McKenzie
Uzomah
Please advise which order shall I place the bids? Drop both Cam and CEH? Thanks
Love this lineup. Try to get Lance for sure and sub him in that SF spot. I like Taysom if he’s back though.
I don’t think CEH is going to play personally. Javonte is a MUST START over Penny. The Chargers just allowed Rex Burkhead to look like Emmitt Smith.
My lineup would be:
Murray
Mixon, Javonte
Tyreek, AJB, Amari
Kittle
Patterson
Taysom/Teddy (if healthy)/Dillon
Thank you! I was 1-4 and made few trades to land Mixon , AJ Brown. Getting Patterson , E Mitchell off waivers helped as well. I agree with your assessment on Javonte and Hope Teddy suits up this week.
I am going against a Juggernaut who has Mahomes, Burrow— C Kupp, Higgins— Ekeler, N Harris, C Edmonds, Gronk and it won’t be easy.
I am afraid 3rd place teams will spend $ on Trey Lance. Do you like anyone else off waivers? I’ll drop Cam Newton for sure. Wait for CEH news before dropping him?
The waivers you presented, no. What QBs are available? Maybe Goff will be there. Frustrated manager dropped due to covid.
Sam Darnold is the only other QB available. Even Ian Book, N Foles, D Lock have been rostered here.
Ogunbowale, Burkhead, McKenzie, Uzomah the best available.
Does Sam Ehlinger become 2nd best option after Trey Lance ?
Breaking News! Ehlinger is startable in 2QB leagues. Still much prefer Lance.
Do you prefer the Bears def over the 49’s def? Thanks
I do like the Bears more. The Texans seem to have found some sort of rhythm lately. The Giants can’t find their ass from a hole in the ground.
Thank you!
How about Rashad Penny v. Det lions or Sony Michel v Baltimore?
I have Cupp, Deebo, Diggs, and Antonio Brown. Would you rank them in this order?
Michel since we have no Henderson and I don’t foresee Akers getting much work
Correct order on the WRs
Good morning, Joey.
I survived barely but hey I’m in the league championship game.
One of our rules is only one waiver claim a week, no faab. I get last choice.
I have Lamar and Huntley along with Stafford in a super flex league.
I have to waive one for a chance at Trey Lance.
Thinking Huntley. Do you agree?
Instead of dropping Huntley, hold him. Drop another position player you won’t use. Just in case something screwy happens. Lamar > Lance > Huntley.
Boyd, palmer, Mckenzie, lazard. How would you rank them this week in .5 ppr. Mckenzie came out of nowhere but has a great matchup. Boyd has been good lately, but kc defense has been pretty decent over the last month. Not sure if mvs is playing this week. I know Mike williams is out for LAC.
And woukd you prefer chic or phi def this week? Thanks
You can also throw j Meyers from ne in that mix. Thanks
Just saw this. Boyd Meyers then the rest of the gang
Boyd Palmer Lazard McKenzie. I am expecting Beasley back and possibly Gabe Davis.
Philly DST
Thanks and thank you for the shout out. I enjoyed reading your content. I ended up slogging through this year and making it to finals. Your help is appreciated.
Best compliment I can receive!
Going into the championship I’ve got a glut of RB in good matchups and only so many I can start. This is a standard league; who are you starting at RB2 and flex to win it all? Current lineup and bench below
Qb: Murray
Wr1: Adams
Wr2: waddle
Rb1: Taylor
Rb2: Montgomery
Te: andrews
Flex: Jones ii
Bench:
Rb options: penny, Damien Harris, foreman, Mitchell if he starts
Wr options: amari Cooper, m brown, metcalf
Those are some great RB options but no way I’m getting away from who you have starting. Ronald Jones could be huge! You have great options no matter and I’m rolling with what you have. Great job.
Thanks for heads up. Would you start Chicago over Dallas?
Please convince me that one of (scoreless on week 16)j Taylor Cooper Kupp N Harris will score this week. Yes I have all three but still nervous!
Dallas has been great of late but I’m still leaning Bears.
Very good chance all three of those guys score this week.
Got a couple of 60%ers available. Jacobi Meyers and Amon St Brown. Which one should I put a claim in for?
Amon ra St Brown!
K. Osborn, K. Toney, D. PArker, and Van Jefferson, choose 3.
My RB’s are Montgomery, Gibson, Mitchell, Ekeler, RoJo, and Penney. My TE is Schultz and D is NE. I also have 2ks, Bass & Tucker. Need to win, came in 2nd 4X UGH!!! I’m thinking D.Mont, Ekeler, and maybe Rojo vs NYJ, Penney vs Det, Gibson vs Phi, or Mitchell vs Hou. Hard to choose 3 Rbs. – Choose 3
My QB is K.Murray but I’m scared to play him but Tua, Trey, Fields & Jones are left on waivers. I need Help winning this Chip!!!! – Choose 1
Osborn Parker Jefferson
Monty Ekeler and ROJO are the clear three for me. Ekeler should be off the covid list. My 4th option would be Gibson
Even though Kyler has struggled, I would still roll out with him of those choices. I do like Tua’s matchup but still wouldn’t put him ahead of Kyler
Deebo with Lance at Qb
or
Ja’mar Chase?
Worried that Lance will be good for his own stats, but that Deebo will not get as many looks as he does with Jimmy.
I think it is a good pickle to be in if you have to choose between these two. I’d go with Chase
Any word on whether or not Prater will have his regular holder? If not, he’s an easy replacement for me
I haven’t been able to find that info. If you want to play it safe and pivot to Succop or McPherson that would be a good move
So the plot thickens. The new covid rules means gabroel davis and maybe mile williams are back. Woukd you start daivs or williams over boyd? I have a feeling that the bills and Allen are going to go off. Thanks
Williams over Boyd but not Davis.
PPR, crazy for thinking TB will not sue Gronk, get up big and kill me? Bench Gronk, start Knox, move Gallup or MVS to flex
Knox isn’t a terrible pivot away from Gronk. I’d still roll with the rare double TE lineup though.
I forgot to add a player… I have J. Waddle so choose 2..
K. Osborn , D. Parker, and Van Jefferson, K. Toney, choose 2.
I like the Monty, Ekeler, and RoJo pix for the rbs.
TE: Schultz
Def: NE
IDP: Jordyn Brooks (LB)/Sea
K: Bass vs Tucker??
HELP!!
LOL
I will kindly refer you to Jordan Loupe for the IDP as I would be an ill adviser.
Bass at K
Waddle and Osborn
if you want somebody who’s actively doing stuff (not only that this is the best stuff on the internet that i’ve ever heard of for IDP stuff, and he ranks highly every year, i wish they signed him at razzball really)
https://idpguru.com/
he’s got j.brooks LB 4 this week (that’s EVEN with wagner at 1st) so sounds like an easy hold there even in a start 1 IDP player league.
– i just reobtained osborn from the theilen injury off waivers in one spot where i probably had him 2 other times and am also starting over parker there at flex 2. would also start over van jeff with theilen def out now. toney’s a damn shame, should be an easy bench hold in non deep dynasties even with shallow benches, but probably can’t be from corona listed guys/injuries and how utterly awful NYG’s QB’ing is (even some of the d.jones’ games too, but far worse since and NOT ONE good game since)
Hey man!
What DEF do you like for this week?
PHI
SF
MIA
CHI
IND
Thank you as always!
Still Bears for me. Love their matchup