Week 17 Fantasy Football Start 'Em Sit 'Em Flex picks ft. Justin Jefferson, Travis Kelce, and More

We’re here. Fantasy football championship weekend.

The long grind from draft day to the finals is a hard, bumpy road. It’s filled with injuries, lineup decisions, and avoiding landmines that blow apart of people’s rosters.

But not yours. You’ve found yourself on the doorstep of fantasy history. A win this weekend and you’re name is forever written in the We’re here. Fantasy football championship weekend.

The long grind from draft day to the finals is a hard, bumpy road. It’s filled with injuries, lineup decisions, and avoiding landmines that blow apart other people’s rosters.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

But not yours. You’ve found yourself on the doorstep of fantasy history. A win this weekend and your name is forever written in the ledger of fantasy football immortality.

One small thing has to happen first. You need to win in Week 17. Do do that, you’ve got to navigate around a litany of quarterback injuries, concussions, and players who just weeks ago you didn’t know existed.

Let’s dive in with my players to start and fade for Week 17.

You can always consult our free Sportskeeda Start/Sit tool

All scoring is based on PPR leagues. Stats collected from Fantasy Points Data, Fantasy Pros, and Fantasy Life.

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NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans - Source: Imagn

START THESE PLAYERS:

Michael Carter (RB) ARI - Yup, I’m going back to the well with Carter. He didn’t impress last week with his 6.5 fantasy points. It was a very down day across the board for the Cardinals' offense. What you have to like though, is his usage. 11 carries for 65 yards on 54% of the snaps. This week, Carter will take on a Bengals defense that is the worst in the league against the running back position. It’s nearly a given that a back will reach 10 points against the Bengals. I say that because it’s happened every single week this season. This game should shoot out with both offenses exploding and neither defense having a prayer. Fire up Carter as a flex play if you need a solid 10 points.

Mack Hollins (WR) NE - With Kayshon Boutte battling a concussion, there’s a great chance we see a lot of Hollins at the “X” receiver spot for the Patriots. In Week 16, Hollins ran 70% of the New England routes and had a 21% target share. He parlayed that usage into 13.9 fantasy points. If you’re desperate for a receiver or flex option, I think Hollins can get you 10 points. The Jets, his week 17 opponent, have been throttled by receivers of late. Receivers lined up at the “X” have averaged 24 fantasy points against the Jets in their last three games. I’m not saying Hollins goes that wild, but he’s a good bet to come through for an offense starved for playmakers.

Taysom Hill (TE) NO - The Saints used the Swiss Army Knife Hill in various roles last weekend. Hill led the Saints in rushing attempts and yardage. It’s obvious that this team has zero trust in handing the ball to Audric Estime or Evan Hull. Instead, they gave Hill 12 carries. He also caught four balls and threw a touchdown pass. At 2% ownership, you could add Hill and slide him into your TE slot without anyone even noticing. Unless you’re starting a high-end producer at the tight end position, it’s worth a look to add Hill and fire him up against the Titans.

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NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants - Source: Imagn

SIT THESE PLAYERS:

Justin Jefferson (WR) MIN - I’m doubtful many of you reading this even made the fantasy finals with Jefferson on your squads. There’s a great chance J.J. McCarthy will miss this game with a hand injury, and we’ll get another round of Max Brosmer. That my friends will not be pretty. The last time we saw Brosmer under center, he threw four interceptions and took four sacks. In that game, Jefferson saw six targets, collecting two of them for four yards. Even against Detroit’s banged-up defense, I’m not comfortable with Jefferson in my starting lineup. The downside is great with such a poor option at quarterback.

Travis Kelce (TE) KC - It’s over for the Chiefs. This team is done. Down to their third-string quarterback, there is little hope of moving the football in KC. Oh, they’ll also be playing the Denver Broncos on a short week. Hooray. If I have Kelce, I’m immediately hitting the waiver wire and finding a new tight end (Taysom Hill, possibly?). Kelce saw four targets on Sunday, with only one finding his hands. It wasn’t for a lack of effort; Kelce ran 84% of the team's routes. The problem is that without a competent signal caller, the Chiefs converted just one third down. While the Chiefs are already severely limited at their skill positions, it will be clear that Denver would sell out to blanket Kelce. Under no circumstances would I leave my fantasy title hopes in the hands of Chris Oladokun. Find better options.

Breece Hall (RB) NYJ - I can’t endorse players on teams that have no hope. The Jets are the definition of that. While Hall did carry 16 times on Sunday, the Jets offense netted as a whole just 195 yards. They can’t sustain drives with Brady Cook, who took eight sacks. The Patriots give up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. They have been torched for over 100 yards by three of the last four backs to face them, but those were all much better offenses than the Jets. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking New York will magically find its offense and Hall will be a savior on championship weekend. There’s more upside elsewhere. Honestly, drop him and hope the team you’re playing starts him against you.

Edited by Brian Drake