It’s the final week of the 2017 regular season, which makes it the final week in which we can use all 32 NFL teams in our daily fantasy lineups. In seasons past, we’ve seen teams that have clinched playoff berths rest some of their top players in preparation for the postseason. This week will be no different as the L.A. Rams have already announced that Jared Goff and MVP candidate Todd Gurley will not be available this weekend.
Playoff seeding is still up for grabs for most teams, but it’s probable that we’ll see more teams decide to rest players as we get closer to the weekend. This will open the door for others to step in with hopes of having a breakout game in Week 17. We’ll take a look at which of these players, if any, are worth rostering in GPP tournaments, and which top performers still fighting for playoff hopes could have huge games in the final week.
The Gamefly DraftKings GPP Plays for Week 17
Quarterbacks
Philip Rivers (LAC) vs. OAK $6,600Â
The veteran Rivers is hungry to get back to the playoffs in hopes to give the Chargers a push when it counts the most. The fact that the Chargers are even in this position is impressive enough after they started the season 0-4. The Chargers would still need some help from Jacksonville over the Titans, but I’m confident that Rivers will convincingly lead his team to a big win over the Raiders.
Presumed preseason favorites, the Raiders have underperformed this season, and have already been eliminated from postseason play. Their defense took a step back this season, and with nothing to play for in the final week, could have trouble getting motivated even against a division rival. Look for Rivers to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Tyrod Taylor (BUF) @ MIA $5,300
Tyrod Taylor loves playing against Miami, and this time it’s in a position to possibly give Buffalo their first playoff berth in nearly two decades. The Bills hold the longest playoff drought in all four of the major sports, which stands at 17 seasons. Taylor would love nothing more than to be the guy that ended that streak, particularly since Buffalo’s management/coaching staff have made it clear in the past that they don’t have a lot of faith in him.
The Dolphins have had no answers for Taylor in recent meetings. His mobility as a runner always seems to give them fits. Miami would love nothing more than to ruin the Bills playoff chances, and extend their terrible streak. Even if Miami finds a way to win the game, it’s unlikely going to be because of holding down Taylor.
Other Notables: Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) @ LAR $6,700, Blake Bortles (JAX) @ TEN $6,500
Running Backs
Derrick Henry (TEN) vs. JAX $5,500
The status of DeMarco Murray for Sunday hangs in the balance for this important matchup, and he’ll likely be a game-time decision. Even if Murray suits up, he’s expected to be very limited, giving Henry the bulk of touches from the backfield. Henry had very good success against the Jaguars back in Week 2, rushing for 92 yards and a score. He’s been quite successful this season when given additional touches as he should see again in the final regular season game. If Murray is held out, Henry will become a popular play with great upside.
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Jamaal Williams (GB) @ DET $5,200
Williams fantasy owners had to have been disappointed in the last two weeks with his limited production, particularly after scoring over a total of 80 fantasy points in the three games prior. The Green Bay offense is in shambles with all of the injuries, evidenced by their shutout loss last week at home against Minnesota. Teammate Aaron Jones is unlikely to play in the regular season finale, giving Williams the workload once again. Even though the Packers offense has become tough to watch, Williams should see a ton of touches against a Detroit defense ranked 30th in the league against running backs.
Other Notables: Kenyan Drake (MIA) vs. BUF $7,200, Carlos Hyde (SF) @ LAR $4,900
Wide Receivers
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) @ SEA $6,900
The Cardinals won’t be in the postseason, but they’d love to prevent the Seahawks from making it as well. Fitzgerald has proven himself a viable fantasy player regardless of who is quarterback for Arizona. Last week, he made it the ninth time of his career with over 1,000 yards receiving, and the fifth time with 100 receptions. The Seahawks defense has been decimated with injuries, and they are just not the scary defense that we’re used to seeing anymore. Expect Fitz to give Seattle fits all day long in this finale.
T.Y. Hilton (IND) vs. HOU $5,900
With Andrew Luck out for the season, Hilton’s fantasy production was an overall disappointment this season. He did have some breakout games, however. None of them better than the Colts Week 9 matchup against the Texans when he reeled off 175 yards and two touchdowns. Hilton’s fantasy value has been as a boom-or-bust player all season. Despite the meaningless matchup, Hilton is again in a great boom position against the injury-riddled Texans.
Keelan Cole (JAX) @ TEN $5,700
Cole rolled his ankle last week in San Francisco, but felt well enough to return to the game. Should he be able to play this week, Cole should be in for another huge week. Cole has emerged as a legitimate wide receiver for the Jaguars, and viable fantasy player, particularly with Marqise Lee on the sidelines. It’s likely that Lee will remain sidelined for at least one more week, giving Cole the opportunity to torch the Titans secondary.
Other Notables: Jamison Crowder (WAS) @ NYG $5,800, Devin Funchess (CAR) @ ATL $5,600
Tight Ends
Charles Clay (BUF) @ MIA $3,700
Both Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski are in terrific matchups if you choose to use $7,000 for a sure thing tight end. However, if you prefer to save some money at the position, Charles Clay is in a great matchup as well against the Dolphins. Clay has been battling a knee injury nearly all season, which has limited him in practice, but he should be good to go come Sunday. Clay has had great success against his former team. He’ll be motivated to stick it to them once again for letting him walk, and in hopes to get his new team to the playoffs.
Other Notables: Delanie Walker (TEN) vs. JAX $4,400
Defense
Baltimore vs. CIN $3,800
The Ravens have their focus on the playoffs while the Bengals have their focus on making offseason changes, likely headlined by their head coaching position. These teams met all the way back in Week 1 when Baltimore shut out the Bengals in Cincinnati. The same thing could happen again as the Bengals offense has struggled all season long.
Other Notables: Minnesota vs. CHI $3,900, Kansas City @ DEN $3,300
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