Week 17 Chargers vs. Texans Start 'Em Sit 'Em Picks feat. Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, C.J. Stroud

The LA Chargers vs. Houston Texans duel in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season can have huge ramifications for this team's aspirations. The Chargers already clinched a playoff spot, but a win would keep them close to the Denver Broncos (13-3) in the race for the AFC West title. The Texans (10-5) are closely pursuing the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) in the AFC South, and winning on Saturday is mandatory to stay in competition.

The challenge will be hard for both teams in Week 17, and certain players will have to step up to help their squads win.

Chargers vs. Texans Fantasy Football Week 17 Start 'Em Picks

This game will feature two of the best defenses in the league, and the Texans rank fourth in both rush and pass. Besides that, it looks like incentives could play a role in which players to pick. Chargers' Keenan Allen can leave this game $1 million richer if he catches seven passes ($750K bonus) and 26 yards receiving ($250K). Besides Allen, Ladd McConkey appears to be a good option. He leads the team in yards (758) and touchdowns (six), while ranking second in targets (104) and receptions (65).

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On the other end, the Texans will face the 10th-highest ranked defense against the rush and the sixth against the pass. Nico Collins remains a solid option for fantasy managers. The veteran wide receiver leads the Texans in targets (116), yards (1,060) and touchdowns (six). The Chargers allow 15.20 points to the position, including 34 to the Cowboys in Week 16. Jayden Higgins could be another good option for the Texans.

Must Starts

• Nico Collins
• Keenan Allen
• Ladd McConkey
• Christian Kirk
• Jayden Higgins
• Dalton Schultz

Chargers vs. Texans Fantasy Football Week 17 Sit 'Em Picks

It is easier to identify players that fantasy managers must overlook in this matchup. While playmakers such as Collins, Allen and McConkey could prove valuable for managers, the players throwing the ball to them don't have the same value. Justin Herbert, who has dealt with hand issues, should stay on the bench. The Texans allow 12.53 points to the position. Running back Kimani Vidal, listed as questionable, shouldn't start on Saturday either.

The same goes for C.J. Stroud. The third-year quarterback will face a defense that has allowed 12.80 points to opposing quarterbacks. Something to keep in mind is that Los Angeles have allowed 16 rushing touchdowns, but other than that, running backs don't find success against their defense (1,557 yards).

Must Sits

• C.J. Stroud
• Justin Herbert
• Kimani Vidal
• Woody Marks
• Nick Chubb

DFS Fades

• Jawhar Jordan
• Trey Lance
• Tre' Harris

Edited by Orlando Silva